FTT Treatment for Children

What is failure to thrive?

Failure to Thrive (FTT) is a term used when a child’s growth or weight gain is significantly below the expected range for their age and gender. It is an indication that an underlying issue may be affecting a child’s nutrition, growth, or overall health. FTT can be caused by inadequate calorie intake, difficulties with food absorption, chronic medical conditions, or even social and emotional factors, such as feeding challenges or food insecurity.

How is failure to thrive treated?

• Nutritional support: A tailored feeding plan, including high-calorie diets and supplements, may be recommended.

• Medical evaluation: Tests may be performed to rule out underlying medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders or metabolic issues.

• Therapy and intervention: Some children may benefit from working with a dietitian, speech therapist (for feeding difficulties), or other paediatric specialists.
• Family and social support: If environmental or emotional factors contribute to FTT, additional resources and guidance can be provided.

How we can help

At Kidswell Health, our paediatric specialists take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and managing Failure to Thrive. We work closely with families to identify the underlying cause and develop a personalised care plan to support your child’s growth and overall wellbeing.

Our assessments may include:

• Blood tests – To check for anaemia, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, thyroid function, or signs of infection.
• Stool tests – To assess digestive function and rule out malabsorption issues, food intolerances, or infections.
• Urine tests – To identify kidney or metabolic disorders that could be affecting growth.
• Imaging studies – Such as abdominal ultrasound or X-rays if there are concerns about gastrointestinal blockages or abnormalities.
• Hormone testing – To evaluate for conditions affecting growth, such as growth hormone deficiency or thyroid disorders.
• Allergy and intolerance testing – If food allergies or intolerances are suspected as a cause of poor weight gain.

By combining medical testing with nutritional and developmental evaluations, we will create a tailored approach to help your child thrive.

Additional resources

NICE: Faltering growth/Failure to thrive

Disclaimer: Information contained on this page is intended as general advice and does not replace a medical assessment. If you are concerned about your child’s health, please contact your doctor for advice. In an emergency or for urgent care, call 999 or visit your local A&E.