Weight is often the most telling indicator of a child’s nutritional health, making weight monitoring a crucial part of every check-up. Measuring a child’s height is also important, though tracking height changes over time, known as linear growth, offers more insights for diagnosing Failure to Thrive (FTT) than a single measurement. While stunted linear growth can point to malnutrition, it typically signals prolonged nutritional deficiencies.
In cases of non-organic FTT, growth issues are frequently observed within the first year of a child’s life, with medical attention usually sought by the time the child is around 6 months old. For organic FTT, the age of diagnosis can vary widely, depending on the specific underlying medical condition causing it.
When FTT is suspected, healthcare providers will begin by discussing the child’s symptoms with caregivers, collecting a detailed dietary history, and conducting a thorough physical examination.
Doctors may ask for detailed records of the child’s food intake and will likely consult with a registered dietitian to thoroughly evaluate the child’s nutritional needs and current diet. Often, the initial step involves creating an appropriate feeding plan with the help of a dietitian to ensure the child receives enough calories for healthy “catch-up” growth. If breastfeeding challenges are present, a lactation consultant may be brought in to provide specialized support. It may also be necessary to involve specialists who can evaluate the child’s developmental progress and feeding skills.
If a child continues to show signs of FTT despite initial interventions, further investigations may be necessary. The physician will determine if blood tests or other lab work are needed based on the child’s specific symptoms, physical exam findings, and how they’ve responded to the initial dietary adjustments. In some situations, infants or children with failure to thrive might need to be hospitalized for close observation. This allows healthcare teams to better understand the root cause of the FTT and to start dietary treatment in a controlled environment.
