Growth Faltering Why Do Some Children Stop Growing?

Every child grows at their own pace, but sometimes a child may grow slower than expected or even stop growing for a period. This condition is known as growth faltering or faltering growth. It’s a sign that the child’s body is not getting what it needs to grow properly.

- Dr Dinakar Prithviraj

Growth faltering means that a child is not gaining height or weight as per the normal growth pattern for their age. Doctors usually check this using growth charts.

A child is considered to be faltering in growth when:

They are not gaining weight steadily

Their height increases very slowly

Their growth curve starts dropping downward on the chart

Growth faltering is not a disease, but a sign that something is affecting the child's nutrition or health.

• Why Do Some Children Stop Growing? - Major Causes Poor Nutrition: This is the most common reason.

A child needs a balanced diet with proteins, vitamins, and minerals to grow. Growth may slow down if:

• Meals are low in nutrients

• Child is a picky eater

• Not enough calories are consumed

Diet lacks essential nutrients like iron, zinc, calcium, or vitamin D

Frequent Infections: Repeated illnesses can drain a child's energy and nutrients. Conditions like: Diarrhoea; Respiratory infections; Worm infestations; Repeated fevers can all make it harder for the body to grow.

Feeding Problems in Infants

In babies, growth faltering can occur due to:

• Poor breastfeeding technique

• Not feeding frequently

• Low breast milk supply

• Early or improper weaning