Causes of failure to thrive

A child may struggle to take enough milk or food because of poor appetite, difficulty sucking or chewing, reflux, vomiting, swallowing problems, or tiring during feeds. Food insecurity, stressful routines, and difficulty preparing feeds can also affect intake. Some children consume enough but do not absorb nutrients well because of ongoing diarrhoea or another digestive problem. Heart, lung, kidney, hormonal, genetic, or inflammatory illness may increase the body's needs or reduce feeding energy. The pattern over time, rather than one measurement, helps clinicians understand whether growth is faltering.

Arrange a child health consultation and bring the child's feeding history, usual portions or milk volumes, vomiting or stool details, medicines, and previous growth records. Keep feeding calm and follow age-appropriate advice; do not force food or start supplements without guidance. A clinician may observe a feed, examine the child, review development, and choose tests only when the history and examination suggest them. Early support can address feeding technique and any medical or family difficulty contributing to growth concerns.

Seek urgent care if a child has breathing difficulty, repeated choking, severe dehydration, unusual sleepiness, persistent vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, or cannot keep feeds down. Prompt review is needed for loss of previously gained skills, marked weakness, or a child who is becoming less responsive. Do not wait for a routine appointment if intake has fallen sharply.

Ask how the growth pattern compares with previous measurements, whether feeding or swallowing needs assessment, which symptoms require testing, and what practical nutrition plan is suitable for your child.