All About Baby Growth Spurts: Signs, Timing, & Support

Your newborn will grow rapidly in the first few months, and you may even feel like they’ve grown overnight! Keep reading to learn all about baby growth spurts—what they are, the signs to look out for, and how to help your little one through these exciting changes.

What Are Growth Spurts?

A growth spurt is a period of rapid development when your baby grows significantly in a short amount of time. It may even feel like your infant or toddler has suddenly grown overnight.

Growth in length (height) and weight are the two most noticeable signs during these periods. In the first year, babies generally gain about 10 inches (25 centimeters) in length and triple their birth weight. Your baby’s head also grows rapidly, particularly in the first four months, reflecting essential brain development.

While babies tend to grow at a steady pace, there will likely be phases of newborn growth spurts and toddler growth spurts that may seem intense and sudden.

When Do Babies Have Growth Spurts?

Most babies lose around one-tenth of their birth weight in the first five days after birth usually regaining it within the following week. After this initial phase, you may notice your newborn growing rapidly, with a growth spurt often occurring between 3 to 6 weeks. Most babies typically gain an ounce of weight per day. However, when babies go through growth spurts it may vary widely, as each child’s development is unique. If you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s growth, consult your baby’s healthcare provider. For toddlers, growth spurts are less frequent. Around age 1, growth generally slows, and by age 2, children begin growing at a more steady rate that continues until the major pre-puberty growth spurt ages. Girls often experience this spurt between the ages of 8 and 13, while boys commonly have it between 10 and 15. You may want to track your baby’s growth spurts in our Baby Growth Chart Calculator to see how quickly your little one is growing.

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What Are the Signs of Baby Growth Spurts?

You may be wondering if there are any signs of a growth spurt to look out for. Here are a few things you may observe just before your little one shoots up a size:

• Increased hunger. Just before a growth spurt, you might notice that your baby seems hungrier than usual. Your baby may show signs of increased hunger by crying a lot, appearing restless, sticking out their tongue, or sucking on their hands and lips.

• More fussiness. Babies often seem fussier or crankier just before a growth spurt. Increased fussiness may involve more crying or restlessness, though other conditions, like colic, can also cause similar symptoms, especially if the crying happens at the same time each day. Growth spurt symptoms can vary, so if the fussiness persists, consult your baby’s healthcare provider.

• Changes in sleep patterns. Some parents observe that their little one sleeps more during growth spurts, which can be the body’s way of conserving energy for the growth ahead. While sleep patterns might change, it’s important to ensure your baby is resting well to support healthy growth.

How to Support My Baby's Growth Spurt

If you recognize some of the signs above and think your little one might be entering a growth spurt, here are a few ways to support them during this period:

• Feed your baby more if they seem hungry. If your baby seems hungrier, offering extra nourishment can help them meet their growing needs. For breastfed babies, you might nurse more frequently, which may help stimulate milk production. For formula-fed babies, consider slightly increasing the amount at each feeding or feeding more often.

• Support quality sleep. Sleep is essential during growth spurts, as babies may need extra rest to conserve energy for growth. Creating a comfortable sleep environment with low lighting and a calming pre-bedtime routine may encourage better sleep. If your baby naps a lot during the day—perhaps three or four hours at a time—you can gently wake them for playtime if you’re concerned about nighttime sleep. Remember to always have your baby sleep in their own crib or bassinet, on their back, and do not put pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals in the crib. 

• Soothe fussiness. Growth spurts can sometimes lead to extra fussiness. If other potential causes have been ruled out, try comforting your baby by rocking, cuddling, or talking softly. Find activities that you know help soothe them during these times.

If you notice your baby’s growth has slowed or stopped for a while, this could simply be a pause before a future spurt—each baby grows at their own pace.

How Long do Growth Spurts Last?

Growth spurts in babies are generally brief, often lasting up to three days. During this time, you might notice increased hunger, changes in sleep, and occasional fussiness as your baby grows quickly. While each growth spurt is unique, these short, intense periods are usually followed by steadier growth. Remember that these bursts are a normal part of development and can vary in timing and length for each child.

What Happens After a Growth Spurt?

After a growth spurt, babies typically return to steadier patterns in feeding, sleep, and behavior. As mentioned before, for toddlers, growth spurts become less frequent. Around age 1, growth naturally slows, and by age 2, children begin growing at a steadier rate.

The Bottom Line

All parents look forward to watching their baby grow, but don’t be surprised if it feels like your little one has grown overnight during a growth spurt! You might notice signs beforehand, like increased hunger or a bit more fussiness, or your baby may suddenly seem to go up a size without any clear warning.

Growth spurts are a normal part of the first few months, so there’s no need for concern. If your baby seems hungrier or crankier, you may soon wake up to a bigger, thriving baby. To support you during each growth milestone, check out the Pampers Rewards app for access to exclusive discounts and digital offers as you shop for essentials.