Health Encyclopedia

Delayed growth

Definition

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

Alternative Names

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

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:

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.

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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