What are Baby Growth Spurts?

• In the first 6 months, baby growth spurts typically occur around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, lasting a few days to a week.
• Indicators include increased fussiness, more frequent hunger (cluster feeding), and irregular sleep or sleep regression.
• Growth spurts can be exhausting for both Baby and parents; it’s essential for parents to take care of themselves and seek support when needed.

The early years of life are full of rapid growth for Baby’s body and brain! They’re making a million new neural connections every second; sometimes it feels like you blink and Baby is bigger, stronger and smarter. These periods of rapid growth are known as baby growth spurts, and Baby will go through several in the first year. Learn more!

When do baby growth spurts happen?

In the first 6 months, Baby will go through several growth spurts. Timing of growth spurts will be different for every child, but they happen roughly around:

• 2-3 weeks
• 6 weeks
• 3 months
• 6 months

How long do growth spurts last?

Growth spurts tend to be quick! They only last a few days to a week, but they’ll be noticeable.

How can I tell when Baby is in a growth spurt?

You can usually tell Baby is in a growth spurt because they are:

• Fussier than usual. Baby may cry frequently or seem unhappy when awake.
• Hungrier than usual. Cluster feeding tends to happen when Baby is going through a growth spurt. During cluster feeding, Baby may want to nurse more frequently (every 30 minutes to 1 hour) or need more milk.
• Going through sleep regression or having irregular sleep. In the early weeks of life Baby won’t have a sleep pattern down, so you won’t notice this then. But Baby may go through sleep regression around 3-4 months, which could be linked to a growth spurt.

Growth spurts are tiring for Baby and parents!

When Baby is going through a growth spurt, they may cry more, eat more, and wake up more frequently. This will be exhausting for parents, too! Take care of yourself during this time by eating well, listening to your body, sleeping when you can, and asking friends and family for help. And know that this won’t last forever! Baby’s growth spurt should be done in a few days.

If you have any questions or concerns about Baby’s growth, talk to a healthcare provider.

Want to learn more about baby’s development and track their milestones?

Download the FREE Pathways.org Baby Milestones App!