Growth spurts are a normal part of your child’s development. They typically feature rapid growth in a short period of time1. While children may experience some pain or discomfort known as ‘growing pains' in their lower legs, there is no clear evidence that these are linked to growth spurts specifically2. Growth spurts are very common and they don’t cause any long-term harm2.
Want to learn more about growth spurts? Here, we’ll take you through all there is to know about growth spurts in newborns, children and adolescents. Plus, we’ll highlight some of the signs of a growth spurt to look out for.
What is a growth spurt?
A growth spurt is a short period of time in which a child experiences physical changes in their length, height, and weight. Both babies and adolescents experience them as they age – they usually occur when a child reaches a new physical growth milestone1.
Growth spurts differ from developmental milestones, as they’re quick physical changes as the child ages rather than new actions and skills they develop at certain stages1.
It’s important to note that all children grow at their own pace, so your child may not experience a growth spurt at the same time as their peers. Every child will likely experience a growth spurt at some point during their physical development, before they reach physical maturity (typically between the ages of 15 and 20)1.
Growth spurts in newborns
Newborn growth spurts often occur during your infant’s first year at around two to three, six, and 12 weeks, as well as at six months and nine months, although they can occur at any time3. It may even seem like your baby has grown overnight sometimes. It’s completely normal for your baby to lose some weight after birth in the first few days, they’ll then steadily gain weight as they grow4.
Here are some signs that your newborn might be having a growth spurt3:
They seem fussy or out of sorts
They exhibit changes in their sleeping habits
Their baby teeth may come through, known as 'teething'
There might be a change in their appetite.
Growth spurts in toddlers and children
Growing pains commonly occur in both toddlers and children. If your toddler or child is experiencing a growing pains, it may be accompanied by5:
An aching or throbbing in both legs
Pain in the muscles, not the joints
Pain during the evening or night-time that goes away by morning.
Regular increases in height and weight can continue each year until adolescence1.
NB: It is not known what causes growing pains. Despite the name, they are not thought to be caused by growing – or a sign of anything serious.
Growth spurts in older children
Adolescent growth spurts typically occur between the ages of 9 and 12 years. These spurts can be fast and intense, boosting growth rates in height and weight during the pubescent stage. The growth practically occurs in all the long bones and most other skeletal elements6.
It’s common for girls to experience this adolescent growth spurt first, at some point between the ages of nine and 10. Boys usually have their adolescent growth spurt between the ages of 11 to 12 years6.
Growth spurt signs
Despite the name ‘growing pains‘, there‘s no clear evidence to link the pain to a period of growth2. You can also be reassured that any discomfort during a child’s growth spurts will be temporary1.
It can be upsetting for both you and your child when they’re experiencing growing pains. However, you should bear in mind that they cause no lasting damage and any pain can be treated with CALPROFEN® Ibuprofen Suspension.
Want more information and advice on growing pains? Check out our growing pains page.