A practical approach to the assessment of faltering growth in the infant and toddler

Faltering growth, previously called failure to thrive, in infants and toddlers is a common primary care presentation and reason for paediatric referral. This article suggests an approach to selection of cases for referral, the assessment and investigation required in secondary care and the identification of the less than 5% of cases with an underlying organic disease. A framework is suggested to aid advice to be given to parents with a child who has faltering growth due to inadequate nutritional intake for their energy requirements.