Definition of Delayed growth:

Delayed growth involves poor or abnormally slow gains in weight or height in a child younger than 5 years old.

See also: Short stature

Considerations:

A child should be taken in to see the health care provider on a regular basis for well-baby checkups.

See the following for more information:

• Infant - newborn development
  • Developmental milestones record - 2 months
  • Developmental milestones record - 4 months
  • Developmental milestones record - 6 months
  • Developmental milestones record - 9 months
  • Developmental milestones record - 12 months
• Toddler development
  • Developmental milestones record - 18 months
  • Developmental milestones record - 2 years
  • Developmental milestones record - 3 years
  • Developmental milestones record - 4 years
  • Developmental milestones record - 5 years

Common Causes:

Delayed or slower-than-expected growth can be caused by many different things, including genetics, nutrition, infections, chronic diseases, and psychosocial health. Many children with delayed growth also have delays in development.

See also: Failure to thrive

Home Care:

For slow weight gain caused by a lack of calories, try feeding the child on demand and increasing the sucking time. Also, prepare formula exactly according to directions. Do not dilute ready-to-feed formula, and try increasing the amount offered to the child.

Call your health care provider if:

If you notice developmental delays or believe psychosocial issues may be contributing to a child's delayed growth, contact your health care provider.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The health care provider will examine the child and measure the height, weight, and head circumference. The parent or caregiver will be asked questions about the child's medical history, including:

• Has the child always been on the low end of the growth charts?
• Did the child's growth start out normal and then slow down?
• Is the child developing normal social skills and physical skills?
• Does the child eat well? What kinds of foods does the child eat?
• What type of feeding schedule is used?
• Is the infant fed by breast or bottle?
• If the baby is breastfed, what medications does the mother take?
• If bottle-fed, what kind of formula is used? How is the formula mixed?
• What medications does the child take?
• What other symptoms are present?

There may also be questions about parenting habits and social interactions with the child.

Tests may include:

• Blood tests (such as a CBC or blood differential)
• Hormone studies
• Stool studies (to check for malabsorption)
• X-rays to determine bone age and to look for fractures