Failure to Thrive (Pediatric)

Ensure adequate caloric intake, nutrient-dense foods over empty calories. For breastfed infants: optimize mother's diet with adequate calories (500 extra daily), high-quality proteins, healthy fats, micronutrients, mother should eliminate allergens if suspected. For formula-fed: may need higher-calorie formula (24-30 cal/oz vs standard 20 cal/oz), consider hydrolyzed or elemental formula if allergies suspected. For older infants/toddlers: calorie-dense whole foods (avocado, nut butters, full-fat yogurt, eggs, grass-fed meats), frequent small meals, smoothies with healthy fats and protein powder, bone broth, avoid filling up on water or low-calorie foods, address feeding aversions with occupational therapy.