very thin 14 month old will not eat

My 14 month old daughter will not eat. She has always been thin and not a big eater, born at 5 lbs 9 oz., but has been able to maintain her own growth curve until recently. She used to take baby and table foods well..eating a serving of yogurt, cheese, a fruit, and a veggie every day, but now I can barely get her to eat one serving of anything! It seems to get worse every single day. Today she ate about 5 cheerios and a couple bits of cheese for breakfast and that was it. I've tried everything to get her to eat more..distracting her, letting her play with the food, and it doesn't work. Please help!

[Renee Radenberg]

Her weight is below the 5th percentile for her age. It is frustrating when your child has no interest in food, however, some children start at this age to be more interest in their environment instead of food. Suggest making milkshakes (milk, ice cream, and fresh fruit or frozen fruit – if she accepts it) or yogurt smoothies (yogurt, fresh fruit, and frozen fruit) to give it to her in place of milk for meals and snacks so she can gain weight due to her eating pattern. The most important thing is to RELAX. You do not want mealtimes to be a battle of the wits between your child and you. Remember meals need to be joyous for parents and the child. If she will not eat a certain food, do not make a fuss over it. Give her some other food alternatives. Then let it go and enjoy the meal. Slowly introduce new foods, and if she does not want it, do not make a fuss over it. Let it go and enjoy the meal. Try again in a few weeks. Hope this helped you.