toddler not eating as needed

[wishfulparent]

Hello,

I need help my son hasn't really gained weight since a long while (6-7 months or more). We recently found out that he has been allergic to egg whites and that has stopped his growth. Many things have egg in it so we cut out many things out of our diets. he doesnt eat much or at all somedays. just milk and juice. I have given him pediasure. but what alse can i give him to open up his appetite and give him the nutrients and vitamins he needs. please help? my second child is a good eater and weighs 21 pounds and is only 7 months (he is in the 75%) while th other is in the very low percentile.

[Renee Radenberg]

His weight is just above the 5th percentile and his height is below the 3rd percentile for his age. Suggest using Pediasure in place of milk with meals and snacks for additional calories and protein. He is allergic to egg whites, however, he can still eat fruits, vegetables, rice, corn, oats, grains, all meats, yogurt, cheese, and products made from the above without egg whites. For his weight he should have approximate intake of 1300 calories per day for him to grow. The following is food intake of the above calories per day and need to be spread between 3 meals and snacks between meals: Fruits 1cups, Vegetables 1.5 cups, Starches/Grains 5ozs, Meat & beans 4oz, Milk products 2cups, oils (unsaturated) 4 tsp and discretionary calories 171. Substitute food products for egg whites that he is allergic to.  Hoped this helped you.

[wishfulparent]

i left out his age he is 33 months old and 33 in. tall

[dani231]

I see you recommend pediasure or homemade milk shakes for extra calories for toddlers that are not eating well. Isnt this just going to drown their little appetites more and cause them to be even less hungry for nutritous meals? I am sure my son would drink these if I offered them, but what about getting them to eat a variety of foods and use those jaw muscles and teeth to chew. My son hates chewing and giving him milkshakes would not help his aversion.

[Renee Radenberg]

I recommended food along with the milkshakes. When you need a child to gain weight, nutrient dense drinks are calorie packed and should be used in place of milk. Food should be given before the milkshakes at meals so the child does eat food; however, some children just will not eat and do lose weight. Some children need to learn how to chew and until they do they may lose weight, so milkshakes help weight to stabilize and/or gain.

[dani231]

thanks for responding. I understand the milkshake advice now..I will try it.