Growth is one of the most fascinating and dynamic aspects of childhood and adolescence. From tiny infants doubling their weight in months to teenagers shooting up seemingly overnight, the human body’s ability to grow is a testament to nature’s design. But what exactly goes on during a “growth spurt,” and how should parents respond? In this video, Dr. Manoj Kumar Sahoo, a paediatrician and neonatologist—walks us through the biology, signs, challenges, and care tips associated with growth spurts.
When and Why Growth Spurts Happen
In his explanation, Dr. Sahoo begins by stressing that growth is a continuous process—but certain phases show more dramatic acceleration. In infancy, children grow rapidly, both in weight and height. Later, during puberty, the pace of growth can increase sharply due to hormonal changes. Growth spurts are triggered by a complex interplay of growth hormones, sex hormones (such as estrogen and testosterone), nutrition, genetics, and overall health.
Dr. Sahoo notes that while many think of growth as just “getting taller,” the reality is more layered. Bones lengthen at growth plates, muscles and soft tissues stretch, and internal systems (nutritional, circulatory, endocrine) must adjust to new demands. Because of this complexity, growth spurts are not uniform; different parts of the body may spurt at different times (for instance, legs one week, torso the next).
Watch the video below
Recognizing the Signs of a Growth Spurt
Parents often wonder: how do you know a growth spurt is underway? Dr. Sahoo outlines several common—but not universal—indicators:
* A sudden increase in appetite
* Needing more sleep or feeling unusually tired
* Complaints of aches or pains, especially in the limbs
* Rapid change in height or weight over short time
* Clothing or shoes suddenly feeling tight
However, he cautions that these signs vary widely from child to child. What’s normal for one may be extreme or hardly noticeable in another. Also, if pain is intense, interfering with sleep or mobility, or symptoms persist, medical evaluation is essential.
Caring for a Child During a Growth Spurt
With growth comes increased nutritional and emotional demands. Dr. Sahoo emphasizes that parents and caregivers can support children through this phase by:
* Ensuring a balanced diet rich in proteins, calcium, iron, zinc, vitamins, and adequate calories
* Prioritizing sleep, since much of tissue repair and growth happens during rest
* Encouraging gentle exercise and stretching (avoiding overexertion)
* Monitoring for discomfort but avoiding overuse of painkillers unless medically advised
* Keeping regular medical checkups to ensure growth patterns are healthy and consistent
He underscores that “miracle growth pills” or unverified supplements should not replace basic good nutrition, sleep, and medical guidance.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Growth spurts are expected and healthy in most cases. But Dr. Sahoo warns of red flags that should prompt a doctor’s visit:
* Growth seems to plateau or slow (especially compared to peers)
* Pain is severe, persistent, or associated with swelling
* Symptoms like fatigue, poor appetite, or developmental delays accompanying the growth complaints
* Early or delayed puberty signs
* Any sudden, unexplained changes in growth trajectory
In such situations, further evaluation—such as blood tests or imaging—may be needed to rule out hormonal or systemic issues.
Growth spurts are remarkable windows into the body’s capacity to adapt and mature. With the right nutrition, rest, understanding, and medical support, children can sail through these phases with resilience. Dr. Manoj Kumar Sahoo’s video gives us a grounded, compassionate view of these changes—one that emphasizes care over fear, progress over panic.
