Understanding faltering growth in primary care settings

Faltering growth is a term used to describe a slower rate of expected weight gain in infants and children according to their expected growth trajectory for age and sex and is identified in about 5% of infants and preschool children.¹ Faltering growth has replaced the more negative term, ‘failure to thrive’.^1,2

Concerns about children with faltering growth are usually raised by parents, or health professionals during routine screening for health and development, with the vast majority of cases managed in primary care.² This article looks at the common reasons for faltering growth and discusses how to assess and treat, based on the NICE Guidelines.²