One minute, your baby is sleeping peacefully—the next, they’re fussy, constantly hungry, and refusing to be put down. If this sounds familiar, your baby might be going through a growth spurt!
Growth spurts happen several times in the first year, and while they can be exhausting, they are a sign of healthy development.
This guide will cover:
✔️ When to expect newborn growth spurts
✔️ Common signs your baby is in a growth spurt
✔️ How to support baby (and yourself!) during this phase
When Do Newborn Growth Spurts Happen?
Growth spurts can happen at any time, but they are most common around these ages:
📌 Typical Growth Spurt Timeline:
| Age | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| 7-10 Days | Baby is extra hungry, eating every hour |
| 2-3 Weeks | Fussiness, longer feedings, possible sleep regression |
| 4-6 Weeks | More frequent night wakings, baby wants to be held constantly |
| 3 Months | Big feeding increase, baby may start rolling soon |
📌 Pro Tip: These growth spurts usually last 2-3 days but can stretch up to a week.
💡 Related Post: Newborn Feeding: How Often & How Much Should Your Baby Eat?
Signs of a Newborn Growth Spurt
🚼 Your Baby Might Be in a Growth Spurt If:
✔️ They are eating much more than usual (breastfeeding or bottle-feeding nonstop)
✔️ They are extra fussy (crying more and harder to settle)
✔️ Sleep patterns change (waking up more often, shorter naps)
✔️ They want to be held constantly (more clingy than usual)
✔️ Clothing suddenly seems tighter (baby is physically growing!)
📌 Pro Tip: Growth spurts often mimic sleep regressions—if baby is waking more at night, they might be going through both!
💡 Related Post: Newborn Sleep 101: What to Expect & How to Get More Rest
How to Handle a Growth Spurt
💛 1. Feed on Demand
✔️ Breastfeeding? Nurse as often as baby wants—it helps boost milk supply!
✔️ Formula-feeding? Offer a little extra, but let baby decide when they’re full.
💛 2. Expect Sleep Disruptions
✔️ Babies often wake up more during growth spurts.
✔️ Try more naps or earlier bedtimes to prevent overtiredness.
💛 3. Offer Extra Comfort
✔️ Babywearing can be a lifesaver during clingy phases.
✔️ Skin-to-skin contact helps soothe fussiness.
💛 4. Take Care of Yourself Too
✔️ Growth spurts are exhausting for parents too!
✔️ Accept help, rest when possible, and stay hydrated (especially if nursing).
📌 Pro Tip: It’s okay if baby seems extra needy—this is temporary! They’re adjusting to a new developmental phase.
💡 Related Post: Newborn Crying: What’s Normal & How to Soothe Your Baby
When to Be Concerned
Growth spurts are normal, but sometimes excessive fussiness signals something else.
🚩 Call the Doctor If:
❌ Baby refuses to eat for multiple feedings
❌ Shows no wet diapers for 8+ hours (dehydration risk)
❌ Has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
❌ Crying is extreme and doesn’t stop with feeding or soothing
📌 Pro Tip: If your baby is gaining weight, eating well, and seems otherwise healthy, fussy phases are usually just growth-related.
💡 Related Post: Newborn Poop: What’s Normal & When to Worry
Birthify’s Expert Support for New Parents
💛 Overwhelmed by sudden changes in your baby’s sleep or feeding? Birthify’s newborn specialists provide real-time guidance so you can confidently navigate growth spurts, sleep regressions, and more.
👉 Join Birthify today and get expert-led newborn support! Sign up here