Hi adkillip, looks like you are getting some helpful support from tamlev (thanks tamlev
), I'd like to jump in with a few thoughts too.
He has all teeth except 2yr molars
the 2yr molars can be on the move and cause pain and discomfort for a long time on and off before they make their (often very painful) appearance, so I wouldn't totally rule this out.
With the routine and possible hunger. It's a long time to wait from 5.30 until 7.30 for breakfast, I know you are offering some of your breakfast and I'm sure you don't limit it but you might find he eats better if you serve him a set meal at a set time in the morning before you leave the house. There is absolutely no harm a LO having 2 breakfasts (1 at home and another at day care). My own always had a big milk drink before his breakfast. LOs tend to take on calories more in the earlier part of the day so morning and afternoon rather than evening. This will be one of the reasons child care see him taking larger portions and why you see him take less at dinner, it's quite common. At this age he doesn't necessarily need a later dinner to get him through the night (I don't think I've ever seen a LO wake from hunger over 12 months old) but he might do better with more calories earlier in the day. I'd usually expect to see a snack between the breakfast and lunch so actually double breakfast might be the answer
Lunch at 11.30 and snack at 2.30/3 are fine, he is likely happy to have those I imagine.
My suggestion though would be to consider the 4.45 'snack' as his evening meal. As I say, many LOs eat more in the earlier hours. Many like their dinner to be pretty early too, mine used to have dinner at 4pm which is not particularly unusual and he ate so well then but serve dinner at 5pm and he would barely eat a few bites, too tired and past it to be bothered with eating. You also say your DS is pitching a fit if you try to limit the snack, honestly I am not surprised, mine would have done the same. My suggestion would be to ask day care if they would be willing to serve a 4-4.15 meal which should be finished by the time you collect for the trip home at 4.45. If they are willing to do this great, it could be the answer to his hunger. You might need to provide a packed dinner to go in their fridge if they don't usually provide a meal at that time.
Then he can play with a toy in the car (belly nice and full) and still join you and your DH for the family meal at 6pm, this will be like a light snack or supper for LO, the social aspect of coming together for a meal will still be there, he can have as much or as little as he likes but you won't have to worry about him not eating because he will be well fed at 4pm.
Have a think. It might take a while to get your head around that idea.
You asked about food groups to help him be full, proteins and fats will help but they don't have to be taken late in the evening because as I said LO take in more calories earlier in the day. You might find for instance giving him an egg in the morning could be just the ticket. A one egg omelet is great for breakfast and would also avoid his double breakfast ending up as double cereal. You could make an omelet the night before if you don't have time in the morning and just serve cold cut into fingers. I use one of those cute little one-egg pans, and the omelet is literally made in 2-3 minutes from walking in the kitchen to being on the plate.
Hard boiled eggs cut into quarters if he likes those. Or French toast is a great breakfast and another way to serve egg.
WRT to routine. I understand that he is low sleep needs but night sleep dropping below 10hrs is not ideal.
Is nap a set time at day care? Just wondering if it's flexible, a later nap might actually help him get a bit more night sleep by discouraging the EW, I know not all day cares will move naps though.
hope something here helps
