What should you know about types of failure to thrive?

Some infants or children gain weight slowly while their length or height continues along its previous pattern. In other cases, weight, length, or head growth may all slow. A child may take small feeds, tire while eating, vomit, have diarrhoea, struggle with chewing or swallowing, or show little interest in food. Contributors can include feeding technique, difficulty accessing enough food, reflux, allergies, infection, digestive problems, heart or lung conditions, or developmental and emotional factors. Growth is interpreted over time using measurements, birth history, family pattern, feeding details, and the child’s examination rather than one isolated reading.

Arrange a child health consultation if growth has slowed or feeding has become stressful. Bring the child’s feeding routine, amounts and textures offered, wet nappy or toilet patterns, vomiting or stool changes, illnesses, medicines, and previous measurements. Keep mealtimes calm and follow professional advice about portions, fortification, supplements, or referrals. Avoid pressuring a child to eat or adding supplements without guidance, because the right plan depends on age, cause, and nutritional needs.

Seek urgent medical help if a child is struggling to breathe, unusually sleepy, dehydrated, repeatedly vomiting, unable to keep feeds down, choking during feeds, or has a marked reduction in wet nappies or urine. Arrange prompt review for ongoing feeding difficulty, blood in stools, persistent diarrhoea, pain with eating, or noticeable loss of previously gained skills. A growth concern is not a judgement about parenting; early assessment helps identify practical support and medical causes.

Which growth measurements have changed? Is feeding technique contributing? Does my child need nutrition, feeding, or specialist assessment? What symptoms should prompt same-day help? How should we track progress at home?