Infants and young children sometimes appea to be overfed by adults. It is important to allow infants to stop feeding, rather than argue them always to empty bottle. Children who are self-feeding and in control of their food intake often eat better than those who are fed by an adult who simply wants them to empty the plate. It is best to feed infants and toddlers according to their own individual schedules, since large groups can be very stressful.

I think you also need to be very aware of your child's limitations as well.

I have never been one to force my kids to eat, I felt they would let me know when they were hungry, and would quit eating when they were done … and this worked for 3 of my kids.  Then came my “exception to the rule” … my youngest daughter was drinking 6 ounces of formula each feeding, at 4 days old and was wanting more!  I would break up her feeding, give her a couple of ounces, burp her, give her a couple more, burp her again … but she would eventually have so much that she would throw up.

She continued this as a toddler even.  If allowed, she would eat and eat and eat, then throw up.  Finally I had to forbid family members and friends from feeding her beyond what I had set out for her.  They would complain that she appeared hungry, or asked for food (when she was older) and I told them it didn't matter, she was far from hungry and needed to learn the “feeling” of being satisfied.

She is 5 now and still has a tendency to overstuff herself, especially if it is a particular favorite.  Fortunately she is at the age where she understands the reprocussions … the tummy aches … that come with eating too much, and is disappointed, but understands, when we take food away.