Baby Growth Spurts: Signs, Timing, and Tips for Parents

You just bought a 3-month-old onesie, and it already fits your baby like a body stocking! Another growth spurt? Probably. But it seems like he just had one! How can this be?! To help clue you in, we’ll explore when babies have growth spurts, how they work, signs to look out for, and how to navigate this period in your child’s development.

Baby Growth Spurts: What You Need To Know

Here’s everything you need to know about your baby’s growth spurts, including a typical timeline for when they occur:

How Do Growth Spurts Work?

Baby growth doesn’t happen in a smooth, gradual manner. It occurs in “spurts” throughout the first year of life and after.^6,7 Babies grow at very different rates, typically losing 10% of their body weight in the days immediately after they’re born, then gaining weight at an average rate of 2⁄3 of an ounce (about 20-30 grams) per day.^1,5 They typically grow between 1 1⁄2 and 2 inches during their first month. Babies grow so much in their first 12 months that their weight typically triples by age 1!⁷ Also, boys usually weigh a little more and tend to be somewhat longer than girls at this age.¹

Do Growth Spurts Hurt My Baby?

Although your baby may be irritable and even act like they’re in pain, growth spurts don’t hurt them.⁶ They may feel unsettled, extra tired, and dissatisfied during a growth spurt, but this doesn’t affect their general health.^6,8 If you suspect a secondary issue, such as teething or an ear infection, it’s important to trust your instincts and get advice from your child’s healthcare provider.

Some research shows that babies have a higher incidence of getting sick during or immediately after a growth spurt due to lowered immunity.³ Pediatricians believe that maintaining your baby’s schedule as much as possible and providing healthy formula, breastmilk, and nutrient-rich food can help protect your child from getting sick.⁹

What Are the Signs of a Growth Spurt?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, growth spurts usually last up to three days for babies and up to a week for older children.⁶ These growth spurts may be very noticeable with weight gain and tight little onesies. There are usually ways to predict when they’ll occur:

1. Sleep

One of the telltale signs a growth spurt is imminent is that your baby requires extra sleep. Research shows that babies may sleep up to four additional hours one to two days before or during a growth spurt.⁴ You may notice deeper, more restful sleep during the night and longer naps during the day. Human growth hormone (HGH) — a critical component of a baby’s healthy growth pattern — is produced in the brain during sleep.^10,11 It’s also possible (though rare) for some babies to sleep less during a growth spurt. They may be more restless than usual and take shorter naps.¹²

A study published by the Sleep Research Society (SRS) found that infant growth in length follows prolonged sleep and more frequent naps. More specifically, it discovered that growth spurts are related to more frequent bursts of sleep, peaks in total daily sleep duration, and the number of sleep episodes throughout the day. It also found that a growth spurt’s probability increases by a median of 43% for each additional sleep episode throughout the day and 20% for each extra hour of sleep.²

2. Behavior Changes

Your baby may latch during breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, then unlatch and fuss in between. You may also notice that your baby’s behavior changes during a growth spurt, making them a bit more irritable and clingy. This could be due to less sleep or exhaustion from the energy required for growth.^6,13

3. Change in Eating Habits

Some resources say that feeding spurts (when your baby wants to eat more often and for more extended periods) are associated with growth spurts.¹⁴ Yet others show no correlation. Some babies will want to breastfeed up to 16 times in one day or every hour while awake. This is called “frequency days.”^14,15,16 Your baby may wake up more frequently during the night, looking for food during a growth spurt. They may also take shorter naps during a growth spurt because they feel a little restless.¹²

What Is a Typical Growth Spurt Timeline?

Some babies experience growth spurts randomly at any time.¹⁴ However, research shows that most babies fit their rapid growth periods into specific developmental points:^14,15,16

• Between two and three weeks
• Between six and eight weeks
• Three months
• Six months

How Can I Help Myself Get Through This Exhausting Time?

Baby growth spurts can be exhausting for parents, especially nursing mommas! As always, take care of yourself first. If your baby is extra fussy or clingy, bring in some help for an hour or two (if possible) so you can shower, hit the gym, or go for a walk. That fresh air will do you a world of good! If your baby wants to feed regularly, consider taking turns. Daddy can bottle-feed in between breast-feedings with expressed milk if your baby allows it. There’s no need to supplement with formula, though.¹⁷ Your body will produce an extra milk supply if your baby demonstrates a demand for it.¹⁸

Whether you’re breastfeeding or not, drink plenty of water and eat nutrient-dense meals. The vitamins and minerals in whole foods will help you and your little one get through this transition time. Try to sleep when your baby sleeps, or at least lie down during naptime. This way, you’re well-rested and ready for the next day. The good news is that baby is growing and developing exactly how they’re supposed to! The growth spurt only lasts a few days; then, they’re back to their usual selves. Of course, you’ll need to buy a few new onesies! 😉