Supporting Your Child Through a Growth Spurt: What Parents Should Know

If it seems like your child is growing overnight, you’re not imagining it. One day they’re squeezing into their sneakers, and the next their toes are pressing at the front—and you’re off to buy the next size up again. These sudden changes often mean your child is going through a growth spurt, a totally natural (and sometimes surprising) part of childhood development.

At COPA, we know these periods of rapid growth can raise all sorts of questions and concerns for parents. Is this normal? Why are they so tired? Why are they suddenly eating like a teenager? We’re here to walk you through what growth spurts typically look like, how to support your child during one, and when to reach out if something doesn’t feel quite right.

When Growth Spurts Typically Happen

Growth doesn’t happen in a straight line. Instead, it tends to come in waves—short periods of rapid growth followed by longer stretches of steadier development. While every child is unique, there are a few common age ranges when you’re more likely to see a noticeable spurt.

• Infants and toddlers experience some of the most dramatic early growth, especially between birth and age two. It’s not unusual for a baby to double their birth weight by five months and triple it by one year!
• Preschool and early elementary years (ages 2–7) tend to be steadier, but there may still be bursts when pants suddenly look like capris and shoes are outgrown within weeks.
• Tweens and teens typically experience their biggest growth spurts during puberty. For girls, this often begins between ages 9–11, and for boys, around ages 11–13, although there’s a wide range of normal. During these years, children may grow 2–4 inches (or more) per year.

It’s important to remember that each child’s growth pattern is influenced by genetics, nutrition, sleep, activity levels, and overall health. Some kids are early bloomers, while others hit their stride a little later. Either way, it’s all part of the beautiful diversity of childhood development.

Signs Your Child Might Be in a Growth Spurt

Sometimes the signs of a growth spurt are crystal clear, while other times they sneak in under the radar. Here are some common clues that your child might be growing—fast:

• A suddenly bottomless appetite: If your child is constantly hungry, asking for snacks every hour, or eating more than usual at meals, they may be fueling a growth phase. Their body needs extra energy to build new bone, muscle, and tissue.
• Fatigue or low energy: Growing takes a lot of effort! Your child may seem more tired than usual, take longer naps, or even sleep longer at night. Teens especially may need more sleep during these times—sometimes up to 9–10 hours per night.
• Physical changes: The most obvious signs are in their height or weight. You might also notice new shoe sizes, longer limbs, or that their clothes are suddenly tight in odd places.
• Growing pains: These are real! Many children feel an achy, throbbing pain in their legs—often in the shins, calves, or behind the knees. This usually happens at night and is more common in children between the ages of 3 and 12.
• Moodiness or irritability: Hormonal changes, fatigue, and even hunger can all contribute to mood swings. If your normally easygoing child is a bit short-tempered, a growth spurt may be to blame.
• Disrupted sleep: Some children have a harder time falling or staying asleep during growth periods. Whether due to discomfort or simply a busy body and mind, this is often temporary.

If you’re noticing a mix of these signs—especially when paired with measurable growth—it’s a good indication that your child is going through a growth spurt.

How to Support Your Child’s Changing Body

Your child may not understand why they feel different or uncomfortable during a growth spurt. You can help by providing reassurance and giving their body the tools it needs to grow strong and healthy.

1. Prioritize Nutrition
   A balanced diet is key to supporting healthy growth. Focus on:

• Protein for muscle development (lean meats, eggs, beans, tofu, nuts)
• Calcium and vitamin D for strong bones (dairy products, leafy greens, fortified plant milks, sunlight)
• Iron for energy and development (red meat, lentils, fortified cereals)
• Healthy fats for brain development (avocados, nuts, olive oil, fish)
• Whole grains, fruits, and veggies for fiber and essential nutrients

During a spurt, your child may be hungrier than usual. Try to keep plenty of nutritious options on hand, and encourage regular meals and snacks to avoid energy crashes.

2. Encourage Plenty of Sleep
   Sleep is when the body does its best growing. Growth hormone is mostly released during deep sleep, especially in the early part of the night. Help your child stick to a consistent bedtime and create a calming bedtime routine—such as reading, a warm bath, or quiet music—to wind down.
3. Keep Them Hydrated
   Water supports everything from joint health to digestion to body temperature. Make sure your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day, especially during hot weather or after physical activity.
4. Gentle Movement and Stretching
   Regular activity helps maintain flexibility and coordination, which can feel a little “off” during a growth spurt. Encourage low-impact movement like walking, swimming, or kids’ yoga. Stretching can also ease sore muscles.
5. Offer Emotional Support
   A child going through a big growth phase might feel out of sync with their own body. Offer extra comfort, patience, and validation. Remind them that what they’re experiencing is normal, and their body is doing amazing things—even if it doesn’t always feel great in the moment.

Common Questions Parents Ask

“My child seems really uncoordinated all of a sudden. Is that normal?”
Yes! As kids grow, especially in spurts, their center of gravity shifts. Limbs grow faster than muscles can adjust, leading to that classic “gangly” phase. Their coordination will catch up with time and practice.

“Are growing pains something to worry about?”
In most cases, no. Growing pains are common and harmless. They typically appear in the evening or at night and improve with massage, warmth, or stretching. However, if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling or limping, it’s time to check in with your pediatrician.

“My child isn’t growing as fast as others—should I be concerned?”
Every child grows at their own pace. What matters most is that they are following their own consistent growth curve. If you’re concerned, your pediatrician can review their growth chart and may suggest additional evaluations if needed.

“How much should my child be growing each year?”
It depends on age. On average:

• Toddlers grow about 3–5 inches per year.
• Children ages 3–10 grow about 2–3 inches per year.
• Puberty brings the biggest jump, with some teens growing 4 inches or more in a single year.

How COPA Monitors and Supports Healthy Growth

At COPA, we take growth seriously—but in a way that feels light, encouraging, and collaborative. At every well-child checkup, we measure and track your child’s height, weight, and BMI. These numbers are plotted on a growth chart, helping us follow your child’s individual growth trajectory over time.

We don’t just look at the numbers—we talk about them. If we notice changes that suggest a child is growing too slowly or too quickly, we’ll discuss possible causes and next steps. These might include lab tests, dietary changes, or referrals to specialists such as pediatric endocrinologists.

And if everything is right on track? We’ll celebrate with you, answer your questions, and keep cheering your child on.

Growth can also be an emotional and developmental journey. Whether it’s helping a self-conscious teen adjust to a changing body or guiding a parent through a confusing phase, we’re here to support the whole child—and the whole family.

Final Thoughts

Growth spurts are one of those things that are equal parts amazing and mystifying. They can bring excitement—look how tall you’re getting!—and a fair share of questions and worries, too. The good news? You don’t have to navigate it alone.

With attentive parenting, supportive routines, and a team of pediatric experts by your side, your child will have everything they need to thrive through every leap and lurch. And when you need reassurance or guidance, COPA is always here to help.

If you have questions about your child’s growth or want to schedule a checkup, give us a call at 541-389-6313. We love watching your kids grow—and we’re honored to be part of the journey.