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3 major categories of failure to thrive
- Losing too much (excessive losses)
- Needing too much (increased metabolic demands)
- Not getting enough (insufficient caloric intake)
Preliminary FTT history
- Is baby generally happy and active?
- Feeding history
- How is baby being fed and is this exclusive?
- Breastfeeding, formula feeding, or both
- Any recent changes in the way baby is being fed?
- If formula fed, which type and how is it prepared?
- Preparation: liquid concentrate, powder, pre-packaged
- How long does baby feed before stopping?
- How many bowel movements per day?
- How many wet diapers pet day?
- How often do you feed your baby?
- Any diarrhea or constipation?
- Any vomiting or spit up?
- Any cough?
- Any gas or gas pains?
- Bonus question: how many calories/kg/24 hours?
- Standard formula contains 20 kcal/oz
- Infants need at least 100 kcal/kg/24 hours in the first 4 months of life
- Example: mom feeding 2 ounces every 2 hours, is baby being fed enough? Baby is 3 kg
- 20 x 2 = 40 kcal per feed
- 24 hours / 2 hours = 12 feeds in 24 hours
- Total kcal in 24 hours = 40 x 12 = 480 kcal/24 hours
- 480 / 3kg = 160 kcal/kg/24 hours
- This baby is being fed enough
- Social history
- Any stress in mom’s life? Is she able to make ends meet?
- Is mom eating enough and a balanced diet?
- Is mom bonding well with baby?
