Failure to thrive (FTT): what parents should know

This is a description of a growth pattern, not a diagnosis by itself. A child may take in too little energy, have difficulty feeding, or have a condition that affects digestion, absorption, breathing, the heart, or metabolism. Emotional stress and feeding routines can also affect intake. One measurement is less informative than a pattern over time, considered alongside birth history, development, appetite, bowel habits, and general wellbeing.

Arrange a child health assessment if growth has slowed, feeding has become difficult, or weight has fallen across growth measurements. Bring previous clinic records, a list of foods or feeds, and notes about vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing during feeds, and wet nappies. Do not force-feed or start supplements without advice; a clinician may review feeding technique, examine the child, and decide whether tests or dietetic support are appropriate.

Seek urgent medical help if the child is difficult to wake, has trouble breathing, cannot keep fluids down, shows signs of dehydration such as very few wet nappies, or becomes unusually floppy. Prompt review is also sensible for persistent vomiting, blood in stool, repeated choking with feeds, or a marked change in behaviour.

Ask which growth measurements have changed, what causes are being considered, how to make feeds safer or more effective, and which symptoms should trigger an earlier review.