How to tell if your baby’s having a growth spurt

Your baby will grow more rapidly this year than during any other year of their life. Babies may gain noticeable weight and length in just one day. The World Health Organization has shown that they grow, on average, as much as 1 inch in length over a month. By their first birthday, research finds they could triple their body weight and gain as much as 10 inches in length.

When growth spurts typically occur

Growth spurts happen at fairly regular intervals in the first year—typically between weeks 1 and 3, weeks 6 and 8, and during month 3, month 6, and month 9. The good news: growth spurts can disrupt your baby’s routine but they typically only last a day or two. 

3 ways to tell your baby is experiencing a growth spurt

1. They’re sleeping more deeply than usual or suddenly waking up all night. Disrupted sleep may be caused by increased hunger (and possibly a corresponding increase in wet diapers).
2. Your baby wants to nurse or drink from a bottle all the time. Some babies will want to nurse every hour or even more frequently—even at night.
3. They may be extra fussy or needy. Spurts are a normal part of growing, but they can alter your baby’s mood, especially if sleep is affected. 

If you think your baby may be experiencing a growth spurt, try to be patient and adapt. Let them sleep more (or less) and feed them whenever they seem hungry (even if it’s more often than normal). They’ll likely get back into a routine in a day or two ❤️

Learn more about the research

Huelke, D. F. (1998). An overview of anatomical considerations of infants and children in the adult world of automobile safety design. Annual Proceedings/Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, 42, 93–113.

Lampl, M., & Johnson, M. L. (2011). Infant growth in length follows prolonged sleep and increased naps. Sleep, 34(5), 641-650.

World Health Organization. (2009). WHO child growth standards: growth velocity based on weight, length and head circumference: methods and development. Geneva: World Health Organization.