FTT (Failure to Thrive) - what can it be related to?

Cilley

I have a friend who's baby is as old my my daughter (7 mos). I haven't seen him in a long time, but my friend says that he is still wearing 0 - 3 mos clothes and she said she doesn't think he is getting enough to eat. What can that be related to? Could it be developmental delay or does it mean something serious? Wish I knew what could help him gain weight. Any suggestions?

ClickMama

There could be several reason why the baby has FTT. The first thought is that he/she is not absorbing the BM/F properly so it's a nutritional issue. But it could be so many other things.  If I were in her shoes I would have asked the pedi for suggestions and referrals to specialists by now. 

dairygirl19

Ditto pp. There's a list of reasons babies have FFT. Some are more extreme than others.

My firstborn had FTT and it was a genetic issue. I know another LO that had it and it turned out to be a processing protein issue of somesort. I still know another LO that had it and her parents never got a good reason.

There's a bit more than "make him gain weight" with FTT. There's usually a good deal of medical intervention and special diets required.

memali26

First, if she doesn't think he's getting enough to eat she needs to be discussing that with the pedi. She could have supply issues if she's BFing, or maybe there is something bothering him that he can't take in enough BM/FF (reflux, digestive issues, etc.). 

Second, just being small doesn't necessarily mean FTT. DD2 is itty bitty - 12% for weight - and at 6.5 months could still wear some 0-3 month clothes. She is mostly in 3-6 because she needs the length. She is healthy and has no developmental delays, is not FTT, she's just small. Unless there are other red flags with your friend's LO, he could just be a small child, too.

erikaplustim

Babywise?

cookiemonster03

Has the pedi diagnosed the baby as FTT? Our DDs are 8 mo (7 adjusted) and 13 and 15 lbs (not on the chart and about 5%), and they're around 25th and 70th percentile in height, making them below the height-for-weight chart as well. But, they're not diagnosed as FTT since the're healthy and meeting milestones. They do still fit, technically in 3 mo pants and dresses, but everything they wear is 6 mo (and some 6-9 now) as we need the length.

kle+spd

Ditto to all the above!

My DD was actually diagnosed by the pedi with FTT. She had severe reflux (talking projectile vomiting every meal) and aspirated into her lungs.

We would put formula into my BM bottles. We also tried thickening which didn't really work. We just had to be patient and keep trying to feed her. Meds worked a little.

Once she was 1 we did pedia sure and/or whole milk + carnation instant breakfast (same calories as pedia sure but cheaper). We also did high fatty foods like avacado's...etc.! It was a long process but after 17 months she was back on the weight chart and continues to climb!

She is now 2 1/2 and although still small for her age is "THRIVING"!!!

Definitely tell her to consult her dr! If the dr is worried they will take the steps to help her get her baby back on track!

sheryn2

I have three friends with babes FTT: 1 "grew" out of it and 2 have life-threatening conditions (genetic, 1 GI, 1 heart).

jaymiegerard

Ditto PP

Also, could be Celiac/gluten intolerance, which isn't really diagnosable that young but could still be causing problems with nutrient absorption.  If she breastfeeds, tell her to try going off gluten for a while and see if it helps...