Key Takeaways Children experience growth spurts throughout childhood, but the most noticeable are during infancy and puberty. By the end of puberty, adolescents reach physical maturity and can expect their growth spurt to stop. You can support your child's growth spurt by ensuring good nutrition and helping them get enough sleep and physical activity. Common Growth Spurts Signs Across Age Groups Age Group Physical Signs Behavioral Signs Expert Insights Infants (0-12 months) • Rapid weight gain • Increased head circumference • Outgrowing clothes and diapers quickly • Increased appetite and feeding frequency • Changes in sleep patterns (sleep more or waking frequently) • Fussiness or clinginess •Babies will triple their weight during the first year of life! Expert Tip: You can't overfeed your baby if you follow their lead. Feed your baby "on demand" (whenever they are hungry). Toddlers (1-3 years) • Steady height increases with some periods of faster growth. • Increased appetite • Changes in sleep patterns • Clumsiness as they learn new motor skills • Height increase of about 2.5 inches per year. Expert Insight: It is normal for toddlers to have varying eating patterns and eat small amounts for some meals. School-age children (4-12 years) • Noticeable and steady height increase • Growth may temporarily slow just before puberty • Changes in body proportions • Most children start puberty in this age group (especially girls) and may rapidly increase height. • Increased appetite • Fatigue or increased need for sleep • Temporary decline in coordination Expert insight: Despite their name, growing pains are not caused by growth and do not necessarily correlate with growth spurts. Growing pains are most common in this age group. Teenagers (13-18 years) • Rapid height increase during puberty. • Height increase will slow or stop after puberty • Voice changes (especially in boys) • Physical signs of sexual maturation • Increased appetite and metabolism • Mood swings and irritability • Changes in sleep patterns Expert Insight: Most girls will finish their growth spurt by the age of 13 and boys by the age of 15-16. Most Common Signs of Growth Spurts Sometimes, growth spurts are hard to recognize when they are in progress, and it's afterward you realize your kid has shot up in height. Here are some of the most common signs of your child's growth spurts: Rapid Physical Growth Growth follows relatively predictable patterns, and small growth spurts may not be noticeable if you don’t frequently measure and plot height on a growth chart [3]. You may notice signs of a child's growth spurt, such as outgrowing clothes or shoes more quickly than usual. Baby growth spurts occur more frequently and are more obvious. You will likely notice a sudden increase in height and physical maturation as older children experience growth spurts during puberty. Increased Hunger During Growth Spurts If your baby suddenly becomes extra fussy and wants to feed more often, or your child or teen looks for a snack soon after a healthy meal, this is normal. It may be that your child is having a growth spurt. Changes in Sleep Patterns Although no scientific definition of sleep regression exists, parents sometimes use this term to describe periods when babies sleep less [4] and wake more and suspect baby growth spurts may be a cause. Toddlers may also occasionally experience sleep regressions. Children and teenagers may sleep more during growth spurts. This may serve a critical purpose, as growth hormone—a hormone that helps regulate how much and how quickly we grow [5]—is released during sleep. Increased Fussiness and Irritability Fussiness in babies during growth spurts may come hand in hand with increased hunger or sleep regression. Older children and teenagers may also show mood changes or have emotional outbursts, possibly due to other factors that occur around the same time. Growing children may be overtired, and older children may be experiencing hormonal changes that lead to puberty. Age-specific indicators: Infants and babies Babies grow at a remarkable rate [3] during their first year of life, tripling their birth weight and growing an average of 10 inches in length. Your pediatrician will monitor your baby's growth and physical changes during wellness visits [6] several times during the first month or two of life and then about every 2-3 older babies. If your baby is having a growth spurt, you may notice: Clothes suddenly seem too small; Your baby needs to be fed more often; Car seat shoulder straps need to be adjusted to a higher level. Your baby may have more night wakings or have a sleep regression; Toddlers After rapid growth in the first year of life, height increases change to a slower but steady rate of about 2.5 inches per year. In addition to physical growth, toddlers are mastering developmental milestones like walking and talking. They may also experience periods of sleep regression, irritability, and a bigger appetite. Toddlers have notoriously erratic eating patterns [7], so don’t be too concerned if they only pick at one meal but devour the next. School-age children School-age children (ages 4-12) continue to grow steadily until just before puberty. Although the average height growth before puberty is about 2.5 inches per year. It is normal for height growth to slow down just before puberty. Most children will enter puberty and have their biggest growth spurt during the school-age period [8]. Girls Girls start puberty sooner than boys, between the ages of 8 and 13 [9]. The first sign of puberty is the development of breast buds, and most girls will have a growth spurt around the time they appear. About two years later, they will have a fast growth period six months before their first menstrual period. When a girl has her first period, her growth spurt is usually over, although another 1-2 inches of slower growth is still likely. Boys Boys experience their puberty growth spurt about two years later than girls [10]. This is partly because puberty starts later, between the ages of 9 and 14 [11]. Growth spurts in boys do not begin with the first sign of puberty but about a year later. Teenagers By this stage, girls have likely finished their puberty growth spurt and can expect to grow another 1-2 inches after their periods start. In boys, growth spurts tend to be longer, and they can expect to grow about 3.5 inches annually until about the age of 15. It is normal for teenagers to need more sleep. Male teenagers may notice a marked shift in their body composition during their teenage years. Before their growth spurt, their arms and legs may seem disproportionately long, but around sexual maturity, their trunks will start to catch up, leading to a body shape that appears more adult-like as they reach physical maturity. The ages of growth spurts will vary. For expert insights into growth spurts in teenagers, check out this video from Dr. Jasmine Reese, a board-certified pediatrician and Medical Director of the Adolescent & Young Adult Specialty Clinic at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. How Long Do Growth Spurts Last? Infants Many growth spurts lasting a few days each Children Slower but steady growth with periods of faster and slower growth Puberty age Girls: A growth spurt at the first sign of puberty and again about a year later (total growth spurt time about 1.5 years) Boys: A growth spurt starting about a year after the first signs of puberty (total growth spurt can be more than 2 years) Typical age ranges for growth spurts The most noticeable growth spurts occur during the first year of life and puberty. Girls experience growth spurts between ages 8 and 13, and boys between 9 and 14. It is normal for growth spurt ages to differ. How long do growth spurts usually last? Growth spurts in babies last a few days [12] at a time. Girls typically experience a growth spurt during puberty that starts with the first sign and ends when they have their first menstrual period (about two years). Puberty-associated growth spurts in boys begin about a year after the first signs and may last several years. Managing Growth Spurt Symptoms Nutritional needs and dietary tips Poor nutrition can slow growth. Continue to offer a well-rounded diet and ensure your child is getting essential nutrients to support growth by following these tips from the American Dietary Guidelines [13]: Offer well-balanced meals that focus on nutrient-dense foods from each food group; Make half of each meal fruits or vegetables; Offer a variety of protein sources; Include low-fat dairy products; Include whole grains. Certain nutrients are essential for supporting healthy growth in children. Diet is the best way to get these crucial nutrients, but many parents turn to nutritional supplements for an added boost. Whether or not you choose to use vitamins or other supplement, ensure your child gets enough of these growth-supporting nutrients: Vitamin D. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that most children benefit from a vitamin D supplement [14]. Vitamin C for cell growth and tissue repair [15], Vitamin K for healthy bones [16] (found in fruits and vegetables), and Vitamin A also to support bone health [17]—all found in fruits and vegetables. Calcium. Calcium is needed for healthy bone growth and is absorbed better from dairy products [18] than other food sources. Managing growing pains Understandably, parents want to help their children feel better when they have growing pains [19] (aches that occur usually at night and in the lower limbs). Here are some tips for parents to help children with limb pain: Help your child do stretching exercises before bed; Ensure your child is getting enough Vitamin D [14]; Massage your child's legs; Give your child a warm bath before bed; Let your child use a heating pad (with supervision); Talk to your child's healthcare provider to see if they recommend pain-relieving medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen; Follow instructions if your child's healthcare provider has recommended shoe inserts for flat feet; Managing growing pains can be challenging, as they are not well understood. Research shows they can happen at any time during childhood and are not necessarily associated with growth spurts [20]. Experts think these pains may be caused by physical activity, low vitamin D levels, extra-flexible joints, flat feet, emotional stress, or a combination of these factors [21]. Pediatrician Dr. Katy Stordahl from East Tennessee Children’s Hospital talks more about growing pains in this video: Monitoring Baby's Growth Your baby’s pediatrician will closely monitor their developmental milestones, physical changes, weight, head circumference, and length for the first year of life. Your pediatrician will track your baby’s weight and length with each wellness visit on the World Health Organization growth chart [3]. If you have any concerns about your baby's growth, consult your baby's doctor. When to Seek Professional Advice Growth spurts are normal parts of development and are not a medical concern. If you are concerned about your baby's growth or worry that your child is not growing, check in with your child’s doctor. Conclusion Although periods of more rapid growth may come and go throughout childhood, the most identifiable growth spurts are during the first year of life and puberty. Supporting your child’s development with good nutrition, sleep, and exercise can help them manage through growth spurts and achieve their height potential. Frequently Asked Questions How can I tell if my baby is going through a growth spurt? You can tell your baby is going through a growth spurt if they gain weight more quickly than usual or their clothes or diapers suddenly are too small. Some babies may show increased hunger during growth spurts. How long do baby growth spurts last? Experts think that each baby's growth spurt usually lasts a few days at a time. What should I do if my baby is extra hungry during a growth spurt? Feed your baby as often as they show hunger signs. Some babies may want to cluster-feed during a growth spurt. This is normal and usually lasts a few days. How can I manage my baby's disrupted sleep during a growth spurt? Here are some suggestions if your baby is going through a period of frequent disrupted sleep: Feed them on demand as often as they are hungry; Don’t skip naps (over-tired babies tend to have trouble falling asleep); Know that changing your baby's sleep patterns throughout the first year of life is a normal part of child development. Check out this American Academy of Pediatrics video for tips on putting your baby to sleep. When should I seek professional advice about my baby's growth? You should seek medical attention if your baby has a decreased appetite or loses interest in feeding. Your baby’s pediatrician will closely watch their growth and physical milestones, and you should attend all medical check-ups as scheduled. References [1] Infant growth: What’s normal? (2023.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/infant-growth/faq-20058037 [2] What is a Growth Spurt During Puberty? (2024, October 22). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/what-is-a-growth-spurt-during-puberty [3] Growth charts. (2024). https://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/index.htm [4] Your child’s growth (for parents). (2022). https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/childs-growth.html [5] Zaffanello, M., Pietrobelli, A., Cavarzere, P., Guzzo, A., & Antoniazzi, F. (2024). Complex relationship between growth hormone and sleep in children: insights, discrepancies, and implications. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1332114 [6] Flynn, J. T., Kaelber, D. C., Baker-Smith, C. M., Blowey, D., Carroll, A. E., Daniels, S. R., De Ferranti, S. D., Dionne, J. M., Falkner, B., Flinn, S. K., Gidding, S. S., Goodwin, C., Leu, M. G., Powers, M. E., Rea, C., Samuels, J., Simasek, M., Thaker, V. V., & Urbina, E. M. (2017). Clinical Practice Guideline for screening and Management of high blood pressure in children and adolescents. PEDIATRICS, 140(3). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2017-1904 [7] Graber, E. G. (2025, January 17). Physical growth of infants and children. Merck Manual Consumer Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/children-s-health-issues/growth-and-development/physical-growth-of-infants-and-children?query=growth%20spurt [8] Physical Changes During Puberty. (2014). HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/puberty/Pages/Physical-Development-of-School-Age-Children.aspx [9] Physical development in girls: What to expect during puberty. (2019). HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/puberty/Pages/Physical-Development-Girls-What-to-Expect.aspx [10] Physical development in boys: What to expect. (2015). HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/puberty/Pages/Physical-Development-Boys-What-to-Expect.aspx [11] Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development - NICHD. (n.d.). https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/factsheets/puberty [12] Cluster Feeding and growth Spurts | WIC Breastfeeding Support. (n.d.). https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/cluster-feeding-and-growth-spurts [13] U.S. Department of Agriculture & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Small changes matter (Brochure USDA-FNS-2020-2025-DGA-CP). U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/DGA_2020-2025_StartSimple_withMyPlate_English_color.pdf [14] Vitamin D for babies, children & adolescents. (2022). HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/vitamin-d-on-the-double.aspx [15] Chambial, S., Dwivedi, S., Shukla, K. K., John, P. J., & Sharma, P. (2013). Vitamin C in Disease Prevention and Cure: An Overview. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, 28(4), 314–328. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12291-013-0375-3 [16] Fusaro, M. (2017). Vitamin K and bone. Clinical Cases in Mineral and Bone Metabolism, 14(2), 200. https://doi.org/10.11138/ccmbm/2017.14.1.200 [17] Tanumihardjo, S. A. (2013). Vitamin A and Bone health: The Balancing Act. Journal of Clinical Densitometry, 16(4), 414–419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocd.2013.08.016 [18] Office of Dietary Supplements - calcium. (2024). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/ [19] Growing pains are normal most of the time. (2015). HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/orthopedic/Pages/Growing-Pains-Are-Normal-Most-Of-The-Time.aspx [20] O’Keeffe, M., Kamper, S. J., Montgomery, L., Williams, A., Martiniuk, A., Lucas, B., Dario, A. B., Rathleff, M. S., Hestbaek, L., & Williams, C. M. (2022). Defining Growing Pains: A scoping review. PEDIATRICS, 150(2). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2021-052578 [21] Growing pains. (2023). https://rheumatology.org/growing-pains
