In a seven-month old infant admitted with nonorganic failure to thrive (NFTT), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. Demonstrate feeding strategies and infant cues that indicate hunger and satiation.
• B. Encourage the parents to participate in a planned program of play with the infant.
• C. Refer the parents for psychological counseling to identify parental detachment.
• D. Provide instructions about formula preparation and feeding schedules.

Answer: (A)

Responsive feeding is the key idea here. In nonorganic failure to thrive, the infant’s growth problems often stem from feeding interactions rather than an underlying medical illness. Teaching parents to recognize hunger and fullness cues and to respond with appropriate feeding strategies helps ensure the infant receives adequate calories and develops healthy eating patterns. Demonstrating how to read cues—such as rooting, sucking, and increased activity when hungry, versus slowing, turning away, or stopping when satiated—helps caregivers feed the infant responsively rather than on a fixed schedule or by pressure. This approach directly improves intake, supports growth, and also enhances caregiver-infant bonding and caregiver confidence.

While other supports like play or counseling and straightforward formula instructions have value, they don’t address the core issue of feeding responsiveness as effectively. Demonstrating feeding strategies and cue recognition provides the practical skills parents need to meet the infant’s needs and promote steady weight gain.