Just when you’re getting the hang of a somewhat reasonable feeding schedule, your newborn can sometimes suddenly change course. He begins eating every hour, and even when he’s done, he still acts like he’s ravenous. 

If you’re wondering if your baby’s getting enough milk, relax. Your little one is not starving (even though he’s acting like it). He’s just hit his first baby growth spurt — the first of about five he’ll have during the first year.

What are baby growth spurts?

Babies grow most rapidly during their first year — and much of that happens in the form of growth spurts: i.e. short, intense bursts of growth. During the first 12 months of life, babies tend to triple their body weight and gain an average of 10 inches in length.

Before a growth spurt, your baby’s weight may slowly increase. After a growth spurt, you may notice it shoot up. So it’s not your imagination — your baby really did outgrow all his newborn outfits overnight! 

When do babies have growth spurts?

Baby growth spurts can happen any time during the first year. While every child is different, babies typically have growth spurts at:

  • 1 to 3 weeks
  • 6 to 8 weeks
  • 3 months
  • 6 months
  • 9 months

Keep in mind that these are just general ranges, however. Your baby may experience a growth spurt before or after these times.

To monitor your baby’s progress, his pediatrician will use an infant growth chart at each well visit. These charts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) track your baby’s weight, length and head circumference in relation to other children the same age.

Baby growth spurt chart

Wondering when to expect a growth spurt? This helpful chart lists when your baby will likely shoot up, plus how to spot the signs.

baby growth spurts chart

Baby growth spurt signs

Not sure whether your baby is going through a growth spurt or just has a big appetite? Here’s how to recognize your little sprout’s spurt:

  • Increased hunger. Your baby wants to eat nonstop — as in, every hour or two (or sometimes as often as every 30 minutes). If you’re breastfeeding, know that the more often your baby feeds, the more he stimulates milk production to keep up with his growing appetite. Older babies will also want to nurse more and ramp up their intake of solid foods, if they're eating them.  
  • Frequent night wakings. Even if your baby was sleeping for a blissful five- or six-hour stretch, during a growth spurt he may howl for a midnight snack, then one at 2 a.m., 4 a.m. and so on. You may find your older baby waking up earlier from his naps too.
  • Increased fussiness. At the breast, he’ll be extra fussy, latching and unlatching because he wants more milk right now, and your production might not be up to speed yet. Plus, all those late nights don’t help his mood (or yours!) either.

How long do growth spurts last?

Right now, it seems like your baby will never stop eating, but hang in there. Most baby growth spurts only last a few days. After that, life will go back to normal — at least, as normal as possible with a newborn!

Do babies sleep more during growth spurts?

It depends. Some research shows that infants tend to sleep more during the days when they’re experiencing a growth spurt in length. But it’s also common for babies to wake up more often to demand a feeding, and some babies can go through a sleep regression during this time.

How to deal with baby growth spurts

Since you’re already struggling to get enough rest, it’s extra exhausting to have a newborn who suddenly expects a 24-7 all-you-can-eat buffet. So make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, ask your partner or a friend to tackle household chores and settle in for some extra feedings. Your favorite show or a good book can help pass the time.

If you're breastfeeding, try to stick it out. When your baby seems hungrier and crankier than normal, you may worry that he’s not getting enough to eat and think about abandoning breastfeeding altogether. But those temporary round-the-clock feedings are actually your baby’s way of boosting your milk supply to keep pace with his oh-so-healthy appetite.

If you’re really concerned, keep an eye on two things: diapers and weight gain. If he’s packing on ounces (that adorable little T-shirt seems tighter today than it did two days ago, for example) and soaking five or six diapers a day, he’s doing just fine. 

Soon enough, his hunger pangs will be over, the growth spurt will end and things will return to normal. Until the next baby growth spurt hits, that is.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do baby growth spurts occur?

Growth spurts can happen several times during baby's first year of life. During the early months, growth spurts are common for newborns around 1 to 3 weeks old and at 6 to 8 weeks. Then growth spurts usually space out to every few months, occuring around 3 months, 6 months and 9 months.

Can a baby's growth spurt affect his behavior?

A baby's growth spurt can definitely change his behavior for a few days. You may find that your baby's more fussy, takes longer naps or wakes more often at night to eat.

Is it normal for babies to experience growth spurts at different times?

Yes! Every baby is different and babies may experience growth spurts at different times.

Is it normal for babies to have growth spurts after starting solid food?

Yes, it's normal for your baby to experience growth spurts throughout the first year of life, including after starting solid foods. During a growth spurt, your baby may be hungrier than usual.