As a parent, few things trigger worry quite like concerns about your child’s growth. Whether it’s a comment at a routine check-up, a growth chart that looks different to what you expected, or your own instinct that something isn’t quite right, these concerns are worth taking seriously — and worth discussing with a professional.
Suboptimal growth in children can result from a range of factors, including inadequate nutritional intake, increased nutritional requirements, feeding difficulties, underlying medical conditions, or a combination of these. The good news is that early dietetic intervention can help identify nutritional risk factors and support your child’s growth and development going forward.
Signs It May Be Time to See a Dietitian
Every child grows at their own pace, and some variation is completely normal. However, there are certain signs that suggest it may be worth seeking a comprehensive nutrition assessment. Consider seeing a dietitian if your child:
- Has poor weight gain or isn’t growing as expected
- Has weight or height that has dropped on their growth chart
- Is underweight or considered at risk of poor nutrition
- Has a poor appetite or doesn’t seem to be eating enough
- Displays very selective or restrictive eating habits
- Experiences feeding difficulties, or mealtimes that are stressful or take a long time
- Needs oral nutrition supplements, or a review of supplements they’re already taking
- Has ongoing tummy problems — such as diarrhoea, constipation, reflux, or tummy pain — that are affecting eating or growth
- Has higher nutritional needs due to a long-term medical condition
- Has nutrition or feeding concerns related to a developmental disability or complex medical condition
If any of these sound familiar, a referral to a paediatric dietitian can provide clarity and a practical plan forward.
Why Growth Concerns Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Growth is one of the most reliable indicators of a child’s overall health and nutritional status. When a child isn’t tracking as expected on their growth chart, it can be an early signal that something needs attention — whether that’s a nutritional gap, a feeding difficulty, or an underlying medical factor that hasn’t yet been identified.
Addressing growth concerns early, rather than adopting a “wait and see” approach, allows for timely support and can help prevent additional complications down the line.
What a Comprehensive Dietetic Assessment Involves
When you see a dietitian for growth-related concerns, the assessment goes well beyond simply checking your child’s height and weight. A comprehensive dietetic assessment typically includes:
- A full nutrition assessment, reviewing your child’s current dietary intake, eating patterns, and nutritional needs
- Growth assessment using WHO/CDC growth charts, to track your child’s growth trajectory over time
- Feeding and mealtime assessment, to identify any behavioural, sensory, or practical barriers affecting eating
- Identification of nutritional risk factors, such as gaps in key nutrients or food groups
- Individualised nutrition education and goal setting, tailored to your child and your family’s routine
- Ongoing monitoring of growth and nutritional outcomes, so your dietitian can adjust the plan as your child develops
This thorough approach means recommendations are based on a full picture of your child’s needs, rather than guesswork.
Working Alongside Your Child’s Healthcare Team
Growth concerns often benefit from a collaborative approach. Your dietitian can work alongside your GP, paediatrician, or other members of your child’s healthcare team to ensure nutrition strategies align with any broader medical management that may be needed.
What Parents Can Expect Going Forward
After the initial assessment, your dietitian will discuss their findings with you in plain, practical language — no confusing jargon, just clear next steps. From there, you’ll receive individualised strategies designed to fit into your family’s everyday life, along with a plan for follow-up appointments to monitor progress over time.
Many parents find that simply having a clear plan, and knowing their child’s nutrition is being properly monitored, brings significant peace of mind.
About Sarah Bonnici, Dietitian
Sarah Bonnici is a highly passionate Dietitian who enjoys treating a range of different areas, including diabetes management, heart disease, and weight management, as well as children’s and family nutrition. She has a special interest in paediatric dietetics, supporting children from infancy through to adolescence with fussy eating, starting solids, growth concerns, and food allergies. Sarah enjoys assisting her patients and their families in meeting their nutrition goals, through the provision of nutrition education and the development of personalised nutrition strategies to best support each patient. She is dedicated to improving the health outcomes of her patients, and supporting them to make healthy lifestyle changes.
Sarah is available at our Penrith, Ryde, Springwood, and Katoomba clinics, as well as via Online telehealth appointments. [Read more about Sarah](https://onepointhealth.com.au/team/sarah-bonnici/).
Book a Growth and Nutrition Assessment Today
If you’re concerned about your child’s growth, appetite, or eating habits, don’t wait for the concern to resolve on its own. Early dietetic support can make a real difference. OnePointHealth’s paediatric dietitians are available across our NSW locations, including Penrith, Ryde, Katoomba, Blaxland, Springwood, Ropes Crossing, and Lindfield.
Book an appointment online today, or contact our team to discuss your concerns and find out how we can support your child’s growth and nutrition.