Treatment for failure to thrive in infants

Failure to thrive, also called faltering growth, means an infant is not gaining weight or growing as expected. A clinician reviews the growth pattern rather than judging one measurement alone. Possible contributors include difficulty latching, an ineffective suck, feeding fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea, an underlying illness, or challenges with feeding routines. The assessment may include observing a feed, checking hydration, examining the baby, and reviewing development, birth history, and feeding details.

Keep a record of feeds, wet nappies, vomiting, and bowel movements to share at the appointment. Continue breast milk or prepared formula as advised, and do not dilute formula or add supplements without medical guidance. A clinician may suggest positioning changes, lactation support, a feeding plan, or treatment for reflux or another identified problem. Some infants need dietitian input, fortified feeds, or hospital monitoring when intake or hydration is unsafe. A Child Health Consultation can provide a structured assessment.

Arrange prompt medical review if an infant is feeding much less, repeatedly vomits, has noticeably fewer wet nappies, is unusually sleepy, breathes with difficulty, or is losing weight. Seek urgent help when the baby is hard to wake, appears dehydrated, has blue or grey lips, or cannot keep feeds down. Do not wait for a routine growth check when these changes are present.

Ask which growth measurements are concerning, whether a feeding observation is needed, how much and how often the baby should feed, and which signs should trigger same-day review. Ask how progress will be monitored and when the next weight or development check should happen.