Condition
Failure to Thrive (Poor Growth)
Key Points about Failure to Thrive (Poor Growth)
- Failure to thrive (FTT) is slow physical development in a baby or child. It is caused by a baby or child not having enough nutrition.
- A child with failure to thrive is at risk for problems such as short height, behavior problems and developmental delays.
- FTT has many possible causes. A baby or child may not be getting enough nutrients and calories. Or a baby or child may take in enough food, but not be able to absorb enough nutrients and calories.
- A baby or child with an ongoing (chronic) health condition may also need more calories and nutrients than normal.
- In some cases, a family may not understand what a baby needs. In severe cases, neglect or abuse may lead to FTT if food is kept from a baby on purpose.
- FTT can be prevented by seeking early help with a child’s nutritional needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is failure to thrive (FTT)?
What causes failure to thrive?
Who is at risk for FTT?
What are the symptoms of FTT?
How is FTT diagnosed?
How can I help prevent FTT?
How is FTT treated?
What are possible complications of FTT?
When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?
Meet the Providers Who Treat Failure to Thrive (Poor Growth)
Patient Stories
- Nadia's Story
Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a rare heart condition in which the heart muscles are too stiff and can't relax to fill and pump the correct amount of blood to other parts of the body. For Nadia, this not only meant that her intestine function was compromised, causing nausea and vomiting, but her lungs also had to work in overdrive.
- Deion's Story
Nineteen years ago, Deion was born prematurely and developed eosinophilic esophagitis and acid reflux, along with failure to thrive. For years, he endured environmentally influenced intestinal issues that he and his family didn't understand until they met Children's National specialists who "never gave up on us."
Departments that Treat Failure to Thrive (Poor Growth)

Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Our gastroenterology specialists provide expert diagnosis and treatments for children with digestive, liver and nutrition disorders.