Babies younger than a year old express their growth spurts through fussiness and periods of increased hunger. For school-age children and adolescents, growth spurts trigger changes in appetite, sleep and behavior.
Growth spurts are natural milestones in a child's development and can happen at different times. Learn when growth spurts happen and the common symptoms.

The growth spurt of boys is, on average, about 2 years later than that of girls. By age 16, most boys have stopped growing, but their muscles will continue to develop.

Growth spurts are common in school-age children, as are periods of slow growth. Children experiencing a growth spurt will usually need an increase in daily calories. Growth spurts can also lead to body parts being out of proportion. For example, a child could stay at one height while his or her feet keep growing.

Is your child growing like a weed? Learn what to expect during your childs growth spurts, signs to watch for and when to see their health care provider.