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Growth spurt

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A growth spurt is a period when a child's height rapidly increases. Growth spurts are most obvious when a child is an infant (in the first year of life) and during the teen years (starting at about age 11 for girls and at about age 13 for boys).

The signs of a growth spurt include:

  • Increased appetite. A child's nutritional needs increase before and during periods of rapid growth.
  • An increase in bone and muscle growth.
  • An increase in the amount of fat stored in the body.

Growth spurts can last days to years.

During the first year of life, growth spurts typically occur during the following ages:

  • 7 to 10 days
  • 3 to 6 weeks
  • Now and then up to 1 year of age

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.