Understanding childhood growth spurts: What parents should know

For parents and kids, growth spurts are one of the most noticeable – and sometimes confusing – parts of childhood development.

But pediatricians say growth doesn’t happen in one smooth, steady line. Instead, kids tend to grow in bursts, with periods of rapid growth followed by stretches where it seems like nothing changes at all.

Kelley Smith, M.D., Pediatrician at Children's Health℠, often helps families understand that growth is more of a “stair-step” process than a straight line – or a smooth continuous curve like it can appear on a growth chart.

“You stay the same height for a little while, then grow more rapidly. Then you plateau – and then grow again,” she says.

Dr. Smith explains what parents can expect when it comes to growth spurts and puberty in boys and girls.

Related podcast
Learn more about how growth spurts in kids by listening to this episode of Children’s Health Checkup podcast.

When do growth spurts happen?

Every child grows at their own pace, but there are some predictable growth patterns throughout childhood.

• The first two years of life: Rapid growth

• Age 2 to puberty: Slower, steadier growth, typically 2 to 3 inches per year

• Puberty: Another major leap in growth. For girls, this happens anytime between ages 8 and 16. For boys, it’s between 10 and 18.

“I’ll occasionally see a few kids that will grow as late as age 20, but they’re the exception,” Dr. Smith says. “And when a child comes in for three visits in a row and their height hasn’t changed, I tell them ‘Congratulations, this is your adult height!’”

What do growth spurts look like?

Growth spurts affect much more than a child’s height. Parents may also notice sudden changes in:

• Shoe size: Parents may notice their child suddenly outgrowing shoes before the rest of their body catches up.

• Muscle development and body shape: During puberty, kids often develop more muscle definition and a more mature body shape. Boys may develop broader shoulders and more muscle mass, while girls may notice more curves.

• Waistband and clothing sizes: Pants that fit a few months ago may suddenly become too short or too tight in the waist.

• Appetite: Kids going through growth spurts often seem hungry all the time because their bodies need extra energy to grow.

• Sleeping more than usual: During growth spurts and puberty, kids and teens may need more sleep to support physical growth and hormonal changes.

• Coordination: During big growth spurts, some children may temporarily seem more clumsy or uncoordinated as they adjust to a rapidly changing body.

Are growing pains real?

Yes, growing pains are a common type of nighttime leg pain experienced by some children.

Growing pains:

• Often happen after a physically active day.

• Usually feel like aching in the thighs or shins.

• Can delay a child’s ability to fall asleep.

• Do not cause swelling.

• Do not wake kids up in the middle of the night.

• Do not cause fever.

• Do not cause pain in the morning.

“Pain in the morning or pain with a fever is not due to a growth spurt and should prompt a call to your child’s pediatrician,” says Dr. Smith.

Growth spurts and puberty

Growth spurts during puberty happen at different ages for different kids. And for some children, developing earlier or later than peers can lead to self-consciousness, teasing or bullying.

But variation is normal.

“Sometimes I’ll ask families if there is a history of relatives who were late bloomers,” says Dr. Smith. “Understanding genetic patterns helps set expectations.”

Doctors sometimes use a system called Tanner staging to describe where a child’s body is in the puberty process.

Tanner staging ranges from Stage 1 (pre-puberty) to Stage 5 (full physical maturity).

Some common changes during puberty include:

• Breast development in girls

• Enlargement of the testes and penis in boys

• Pubic hair growth

• Acne and body odor

• Voice changes in boys

• Menstrual periods in girls

• Rapid growth spurts

Parents and caregivers can help kids feel more comfortable with the timing and stages of puberty by starting conversations early, answering questions honestly and providing helpful books.

“Early development can be especially challenging for girls who suddenly tower over classmates or begin menstruation (also known as periods or cycles) before peers,” says Dr. Smith. “In those cases, I emphasize body positivity and assure kids that everyone is going to catch up eventually.”

When to talk to your child’s doctor

It’s time to talk to your child’s pediatrician if your child:

• Seems to be growing unusually quick.

• Shows signs of early puberty (precocious puberty).

• Complains about feeling unusually uncoordinated.

• Seems to be growing unusually slow (less than 2 inches per year).

• Shows signs of delayed puberty.

• Shows no signs of puberty by age 14 in girls or 16 in boys.

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Children's Health Primary Care is here to care for every aspect of your child's health, from well-child exams and treatment of common illnesses to treatment of chronic conditions. We also offer tailored, specialized Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine for kids ages 11 to 21 and provide resources for adolescents and young adults.