Failure to thrive (FTT) describes a child's physical development that is considerably lagging compared to their peers. There is no universal agreement on the exact definition of FTT. Generally, it refers to a child whose growth is below the 3rd or 5th percentile for their age or whose growth has dramatically declined, crossing two major growth percentiles (such as dropping from above the 75th percentile to below the 25th percentile). In early infancy, FTT can occasionally lead to death, and in older infants, it serves as a crucial indicator of underlying health issues. Numerous factors can cause FTT, including undetected food allergies that result in food refusal and vomiting, unidentified metabolic disorders, or other diseases. A particular form of FTT is sometimes observed in abandoned or institutionalized infants who appear to "give up," becoming lethargic and unwilling to nurse. This behavior is thought to be emotional, though other influences could be involved. Addressing FTT involves identifying and treating its root causes. Meanwhile, some cases may require intravenous feeding, while others might benefit from supplemental high-nutrition feedings.
