What is failure to thrive?
An infant with failure to thrive is unable to gain weight normally. Infants with failure to thrive may develop learning disabilities. Less than 20 percent of infants with failure to thrive have an illness that explains their poor weight gain. About 70 percent of cases are due to environmental problem, such as incorrect feeding.

What are the symptoms of failure to thrive?
Symptoms in an infant with failure to thrive include constant crying, diarrhea, irritability, lethargy, vomiting, poor feeding in infants, poor growth, delayed development, and low body weight.

How does the doctor treat failure to thrive?
Treatment for failure to thrive depends on the underlying cause. Treatment for failure to thrive may include high calorie diet, feeding education, and parent counseling.