Growth spurt


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Growth spurt


A growth spurt is a period when a child's height rapidly increases. Growth spurts are most obvious when a child is an infant (ages 1 month through 11 months) 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.

Credits


Author Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics
Last Updated March 17, 2008

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Last updated: March 17, 2008
Author: Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By: Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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