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Delayed growth

• Overview
• Treatment

Alternative Names:

Growth - slow (child 0 - 5 years); Weight gain - slow (child 0 - 5 years); Slow rate of growth; Retarded growth and development

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

• Review Date: 2/14/2007
• Reviewed By: Leisha M. Andersen, M.D., Private Practice specializing in Pediatrics, Denver, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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