under weight

My 2 year old daughter is a very fussy eater. according to her pediatrician she is two kgs less per her age and height. sometimes takes Rice and pulses properly but it is not a uniform pattern. i am now really worried especially in context of her being under weight. i have to force food in her mouth a couple of times before she actually intakes it. her major diet is milk (bottle feed). i am working women and leave my daughter with my mom who is very supportive and take extra ordinary care to make differnt preparations. however inspite of all these efforts i dont see any progress. should i give up my job to spend time with her? will that help her. althought my elder daughter 4.5 yrs is not at all fussy and very healthy (weighs 20 Kg).

I shall be really grateful if you could suggest some measures to overcome the probem

Thanks,
Roshni

[Renee Radenberg]

Her weight is just under the 5th percentile for her age. Suggest giving her Pediasure, nutrient dense formula for children above one year old, instead of milk so she is consuming extra calories and protein for weight gain and growth.  She should be eating regular food and feeding herself at her age. The most important thing is to relax. It is ok if she does not want certain foods; try again in a few weeks. Forcing a child to eat will not work. Sometimes it takes 5-9 times to introduce a food to a child that they will accept, however, if they do not want it you have to not make a fuss and let it go. Hoped this helped you.