Faltering growth, also known as failure to thrive, remains a significant concern in paediatric healthcare. It reflects an underlying disruption in a child’s nutritional status and overall well-being. Characterised by a child’s weight or height falling below expected growth trajectories for age and sex, faltering growth often indicates inadequate nutrient intake, absorption issues or chronic medical conditions. Early recognition and intervention are critical, as persistent growth faltering can lead to lasting consequences, including developmental delays, weakened immunity and impaired cognitive function.

  1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Faltering growth: recognition and management of faltering growth in children [Internet]. London: NICE; 2017 Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng75
  2. Embleton ND, Agarwal P, Boyd P, Leaf A. Nutritional management of faltering growth in infants and young children. Arch Dis Child. 2018.103:1080–5 doi:10.1136/archdischild-2017-313531
  3. World Health Organisation. WHO child growth standards: length/height-for-age, weight-for-age, weight-for-length, weight-for-height and body mass index-for-age. Geneva: World Health Organisation; 2006
  4. Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) (2024) Growth charts
  5. British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. 2025. ESPGHAN guidelines for diagnosing coeliac disease.

About the Author: Hazel Duncan, RD

Hazel is a Paediatric Dietitian and has her own private practice, Kids Nutrition, which provides evidence based nutrition advice for infants and children.

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Faltering growth, also known as failure to thrive, remains a significant concern in paediatric healthcare. It reflects an underlying disruption in a child’s nutritional status and overall well-being. Characterised by a child’s weight or height falling below expected growth trajectories for age and sex, faltering growth often indicates inadequate nutrient intake, absorption issues or chronic medical conditions. Early recognition and intervention are critical, as persistent growth faltering can lead to lasting consequences, including developmental delays, weakened immunity and impaired cognitive function.

  1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Faltering growth: recognition and management of faltering growth in children [Internet]. London: NICE; 2017 Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng75
  2. Embleton ND, Agarwal P, Boyd P, Leaf A. Nutritional management of faltering growth in infants and young children. Arch Dis Child. 2018.103:1080–5 doi:10.1136/archdischild-2017-313531
  3. World Health Organisation. WHO child growth standards: length/height-for-age, weight-for-age, weight-for-length, weight-for-height and body mass index-for-age. Geneva: World Health Organisation; 2006
  4. Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) (2024) Growth charts
  5. British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. 2025. ESPGHAN guidelines for diagnosing coeliac disease.

About the Author: Hazel Duncan, RD

Hazel is a Paediatric Dietitian and has her own private practice, Kids Nutrition, which provides evidence based nutrition advice for infants and children.

Leave A Comment