What happens during a growth spurt?

A baby feeds more frequently than usual, sometimes seeming hungry straight after a feed, and can be fussier and sleep more or less than normal. It typically lasts a day or two up to a few days and then settles.

When do growth spurts happen?

Parents commonly notice them in the first few weeks and again at various points in the early months. Babies vary, and the exact ages are a rough guide rather than a fixed timetable.

What is a growth spurt? A plain-language definition

Growth spurt

In short

A growth spurt is a short phase, often a day or two to a few days, when a baby suddenly feeds much more often and may be fussier and sleep differently. When breastfeeding, the extra feeding is how the baby signals for more milk, and supply catches up within a few days. Growth spurts are commonly noticed in the early weeks and months. With twins they can land together and feel intense, but they pass, and tracking feeds helps you see the pattern.

A growth spurt is a short phase where a baby suddenly wants to feed far more often than usual and may be fussier or sleep differently for a few days. It can feel like the baby is permanently hungry and that something has changed overnight.

For breastfed babies, the extra feeding is doing a job: it is the baby signalling for more milk, and supply rises to meet the new demand within a few days. Then things settle back down. Growth spurts are commonly noticed in the early weeks and at points through the first months.

With twins, both babies can hit a growth spurt around the same time, which makes for an intense stretch of near-constant feeding. It passes, and tracking feeds through it helps you see the pattern and reassure yourself it is normal.

Frequently asked questions

What happens during a growth spurt?: A baby feeds more frequently than usual, sometimes seeming hungry straight after a feed, and can be fussier and sleep more or less than normal. It typically lasts a day or two up to a few days and then settles.
When do growth spurts happen?: Parents commonly notice them in the first few weeks and again at various points in the early months. Babies vary, and the exact ages are a rough guide rather than a fixed timetable.
Does extra feeding in a growth spurt mean low supply?: Usually not. When breastfeeding, the extra feeding is exactly how a baby tells your body to make more milk, and supply catches up within a few days. If you are worried about intake or supply, speak to your health visitor or a feeding specialist.

Growth spurt

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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