What should be monitored for a child presenting with failure-to-thrive?

Monitoring daily weight is crucial for a child presenting with failure-to-thrive, as it provides direct insight into the child's growth and nutritional status. This assessment allows healthcare providers to detect any patterns of weight loss or stagnation, which can indicate insufficient caloric intake or underlying health issues. Consistent tracking of weight can help identify whether interventions are effective or necessary adjustments need to be made in the child's diet or care plan. Weight monitoring is a key aspect of managing failure-to-thrive, as it is a straightforward metric that reflects the child's physical health and growth progress.

While assessing emotional well-being, nutritional intake, and parental education are also important components of a holistic approach to care, they do not provide the immediate, quantifiable data that daily weight monitoring offers. Each of these other areas plays a role in understanding and supporting a child with failure-to-thrive, but the primary focus in an initial assessment should be on weight as a fundamental indicator of the child's health.