What should you know about the new term for failure to thrive?

Faltering growth describes a pattern in which weight gain, length or height, or head growth is slower than expected, or a child drops across growth-chart centile lines. It is not a diagnosis by itself and does not identify one cause. Feeding difficulty, reflux, swallowing problems, illness, increased nutritional needs, or challenges affecting food access may contribute. Some children are naturally smaller and remain well; the pattern over time, development, examination and family context help a clinician interpret measurements.

Book a child health assessment so measurements can be checked accurately and plotted over time. Bring the child’s feeding history, usual portions, drinks, bowel pattern, vomiting, sleep, development and any recent illness. Keep a calm record of feeds and wet nappies if requested, but do not force meals or give supplements without professional guidance. A clinician may observe feeding, examine the child, review family growth patterns and arrange targeted support. Practical help can involve feeding technique, nutrition advice or treatment of an underlying problem.

Seek prompt medical advice if a child is losing weight, feeding much less, vomiting repeatedly, has markedly fewer wet nappies, seems unusually sleepy, has breathing difficulty, or is not meeting expected developmental skills. Urgent assessment is appropriate when the child is difficult to wake, looks seriously unwell, or cannot keep fluids down. These signs reflect possible dehydration, illness or nutritional compromise and should not wait for a routine growth check.

Which measurements show the growth pattern? Could feeding, digestion or another illness be contributing? How can we increase nutrition safely? What changes should we monitor at home, and when should we return?