Failure to Thrive: How to Care for Your Child

Failure to thrive (FTT) means your child is not gaining weight as expected. In some cases, a child's growth or head size might also be affected. Children need to have enough calories to grow and develop in healthy ways. 

Failure to thrive usually happens because a child isn't getting enough calories for healthy growth and development. This can happen for different reasons. A child might:

• not take in enough calories

• not be able to absorb calories

• burn too many calories

The health care provider has ordered tests based on your child's history, symptoms, and an exam. Your child needed to stay in the hospital for testing, observation of feeding, and/or treatment.

Treatment depends on what is stopping your child from gaining weight. Your child is now ready to go home to continue treatment there.

• Follow your health care provider's instructions for:

  • what to feed your child

  • how much to feed your child

  • how often to feed your child

• Giving too much or feeding your child too often can sometimes cause vomiting, diarrhea, and problems with organs like the heart, so follow feeding instructions carefully.

• If your health care provider recommends it, see a nutritionist or dietitian for help choosing foods for your child.

• If you're breastfeeding and having trouble, ask for a referral to a lactation specialist.

• For formula-fed infants, mix formula as directed.

• Don't let your child drink lots of juice or have lots of other foods with empty calories like candy.

• The health care provider will need to follow your child closely to keep track of growth and development. Schedule and go to all recommended visits.

• The health care professional may refer you to a social worker, psychologist, or other provider if social, emotional, or behavioral issues seem to play a role in your child's failure to thrive.

Your child:

• doesn't begin to gain weight as expected

• loses his or her appetite

• misses developmental milestones like sitting up, walking, or talking

Your child:

• is vomiting (throwing up) and can't keep down fluids

• has trouble breathing

• appears dehydrated; signs include dizziness, drowsiness, dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, crying with few or no tears, or peeing less often (or having fewer wet diapers)