When a baby is not gaining weight appropriately, every ounce matters. Failure to Thrive (FTT) is not a diagnosis itself but rather a sign that an infant is not receiving, absorbing, or utilizing enough nutrition to support healthy growth and development.

As feeding specialists, we often meet families who have tried several formulas before finding one that truly meets their child's needs. Sometimes a simple change in formula—or adjusting the calorie concentration—can dramatically improve weight gain, energy, feeding endurance, and overall development.

What is Failure to Thrive?

Infants with Failure to Thrive may:

• Gain weight very slowly or lose weight.

• Tire easily during feedings.

• Fall asleep before completing a bottle.

• Feed for prolonged periods without taking enough volume.

• Experience reflux, discomfort, or feeding aversion.

• Miss developmental milestones because their bodies are working so hard just to grow.

Early intervention is essential.

Understanding Formula Options

There is no "one-size-fits-all" formula. Depending on a child's medical history, feeding skills, digestion, allergies, and nutritional needs, healthcare providers may recommend different formulas.

Examples include:

• Standard infant formulas

• Gentle or partially hydrolyzed formulas

• Extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid-based formulas for infants with protein allergies

• High-calorie formulas designed to support growth

• Specialty formulas for complex medical conditions

Each serves a different purpose, which is why professional guidance is so important.

Spotlight on Fortini®

One specialized option is Fortini, a ready-to-feed, calorie-dense formula that may be appropriate for some children who need additional calories in a smaller volume.

For babies who fatigue easily or cannot tolerate large feedings, a higher-calorie formula can sometimes help improve weight gain while reducing the amount they must drink at each feeding. It is not appropriate for every child, but when medically indicated, it can become an important part of a nutrition plan.

Formula Trials Matter

Changing formulas should never be random.

A successful formula trial considers:

• Medical diagnosis

• Growth measurements

• Feeding efficiency

• Signs of reflux or gastrointestinal discomfort

• Stool patterns

• Food allergies or intolerances

• Hydration

• Parent observations

Careful monitoring allows the healthcare team to determine whether the formula is truly helping.

Our Goal

At the Star Center Foundation, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, thrive, and enjoy feeding. Helping families understand nutrition options is one piece of the larger picture. Through education, collaboration with physicians and dietitians, and individualized feeding support, we strive to give children the strongest possible start.

If you have concerns about your child's feeding, weight gain, or nutrition, don't wait. Early evaluation and intervention can make a lifelong difference.

Because every child deserves the chance to grow, thrive, and be nourished.

This newsletter is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your child's physician or registered dietitian before changing infant formulas.