Diagnosing failure to thrive

The clinician plots weight and length or height over time and considers birth history, feeding method, appetite, vomiting, stools, sleep, activity and developmental progress. They may ask to see a typical feeding routine and discuss access to food, swallowing or feeding difficulties, and family growth patterns. Examination looks for signs of illness or dehydration. The phrase describes a growth concern, not a complete explanation; causes can include feeding problems, difficulty absorbing nutrients, ongoing illness or emotional and social factors.

Bring your child’s health records and note feeds, fluids, vomiting, bowel movements and wet nappies. Share what your child eats in a usual day, including amounts and difficulties. Attend the recommended [Child Health Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/child-health-consultation/) so growth can be reviewed alongside development. Do not force feeds or add supplements without guidance.

Contact a clinician promptly if your child is losing weight, feeding much less, vomiting repeatedly, has ongoing diarrhoea or seems unusually tired. Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, severe dehydration, unusual sleepiness, a seizure or inability to keep fluids down. A child who is not feeding and has very few wet nappies needs prompt assessment.

Ask how your child’s growth pattern compares with earlier measurements, what causes are being considered and whether feeding support or further tests are needed. Ask which signs should lead to same-day care and when growth will be checked again.