Turning meals into a power struggle usually doesn't help and may make your child more resistant to eating. Allow your child to feed himself, especially finger foods, as much as possible. Only offer liquids, especially juice, after the meal. Avoid large amounts of juices, sodas, or water. Offer milk or formula, which have more calories and protein, instead.
Psychosocial factors can also cause a child to have failure to thrive.
This may involve behavioral factors of the child that make him difficult to handle and feed, or psychological factors in the parents and their relationship with their child. See your Pediatrician if you or your child are concerned about being underweight. All rights reserved. It is not meant to replace the advice of the physician who cares for your child. All medical advice and information should be considered to be incomplete without a physical exam, which is not possible without a visit to your doctor.