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‘Failure to thrive occurs when an infant or child fails to achieve the expected growth as assessed by measurements of weight and height. The child may also fail to achieve full potential in other parameters of development.’ (Hobbs, Hanks and Wynne, 1999)
Failure to thrive is identified when infants and children are not achieving their expected growth pattern. This is most often initially observed as failing to gain their required weight but also later their height can also be affected. Precise, workable definitions using growth criteria have yet to be defined.
There are several factors which can affect an infant and child’s ability to gain weight and thrive such as recent illnesses, genetic predisposition or a physical/organic cause. Both physical and psychosocial factors contribute to this condition and are not mutually exclusive.
Failure to thrive is not exclusive to any one ethnic group, community or social class. It can affect children from any background.
To find out more read the TSCB guidance
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