Parenting expert questions & answersGrowth Spurts by Gregory Plemmons, MDAs parents, we often have questions about all kinds of health issues relating to our kids - from illness to prevention to child development. Come ask the experts what you want to know about your child's health! The question: Are "growth spurts" real - and how will I recognize one? The Pediatrician Answers: "Growth spurts" are real, not imaginary. Growth is rarely smooth and steady. It may seem that way, over long periods of time, but is regulated by many things, including nutrition, hormones, as well as many things that are probably not still well understood. Growth is greatest in babies, declines during childhood, and then briefly increases again during teenage years. It is often a good indicator of how healthy overall your child is, and at a well child visit, measuring height and weight can be just as important as taking a temperature or examining an ear. Most pediatricians will plot your child's height and weight on a growth chart. "Growth spurts" are usually noted simply by realizing that your child is outgrowing his or her clothes. Occasional increases in appetite are commonly seen during the first year of life. For instance, you may find that your 9-month-old baby wants to nurse or eat every 3-4 hours than his or her usual 6-8 hours for a few weeks, and this may be perfectly natural. Another good indicator of growth in pre-teens and teenagers, especially if you don't have ready access to a tape measure, is a change in shoe size. Foot growth often parallels height growth. 
Links, information and more for you  Ask the experts your question
Directory of health articles
Directory of all articles
About the author: Gregory Plemmons, MD is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of General Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Service to under-served and culturally diverse populations is one of his special interest areas. Says Dr Plemmons, "I see my goal as to help educate parents and aid them in making informed decisions about their children, but also incorporating the experience I've had thus far as a pediatrician." |
| Notice: This forum is for educational purposes only, and addresses only non-urgent questions of a general nature. If you are concerned about your health or your child's health, please consult your family's health care provider immediately. This information is not a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or treatment. Due to the volume of questions received, not all questions can be answered. |
