Failure to Thrive and Nutrition

A child may receive too little energy because of a small appetite, feeding difficulty, problems with swallowing, frequent illness or limited access to suitable foods. Some children eat adequately but do not absorb nutrients well or use extra energy because of an underlying condition. A clinician considers the whole pattern: milk or formula intake, solids, drinks, mealtime behaviour, stools, vomiting and growth measurements. One isolated meal or a single weight does not describe nutritional health.

Keep meals and snacks predictable, offer age-appropriate foods, and allow enough time for eating without pressure. Follow advice about breast milk, formula, complementary foods or energy-dense additions. Avoid forcing bites, replacing meals with frequent sweet drinks, or using supplements without professional guidance. A dietitian or feeding specialist may suggest texture changes, portion adjustments or a structured plan. Record what your child actually eats and drinks for the review, including difficulties and reactions.

Contact a clinician promptly when feeding refusal persists, swallowing causes coughing or choking, vomiting or diarrhoea continues, or your child is losing weight. Urgent care is needed for signs of dehydration, breathing trouble, severe weakness or inability to keep fluids down. Babies who are difficult to wake need immediate assessment.

Ask how much milk or food is suitable, whether a dietitian or feeding assessment is needed, which symptoms suggest malabsorption, and how progress will be monitored.