What is "failure to thrive" in infants?

"Failure to thrive" in infants refers specifically to a condition where a child does not gain weight and grow at a normal rate. This can be due to a variety of factors, including insufficient caloric intake, chronic medical conditions, or psychosocial factors that affect the infant's ability to feed and absorb nutrients.

The diagnosis often becomes evident in pediatric assessments where an infant's growth parameters, such as weight and height, fall significantly below the expected range for their age. It's an important indicator that may prompt further evaluation of the infant's diet, feeding practices, or underlying health issues relevant to their development. Addressing "failure to thrive" involves identifying and resolving the root causes to promote adequate growth and development to ensure the child reaches healthy milestones. The concept of normal growth is essential for understanding this condition, where falling below expected growth benchmarks raises concern.