You had a baby who finally seemed to have a rhythm — and overnight they're feeding constantly, fussing more and throwing the day into chaos. Before you worry about your supply or what changed, take a breath: this is very often a growth spurt, and it passes.

What a growth spurt is

A growth spurt is a short burst of rapid growth and development. For a few days your baby genuinely needs more, so they ask for more — usually by feeding far more often than usual. It's not a problem to fix; it's your baby doing exactly what they should.

When they tend to happen

Growth spurts are often described around these ages — but think of them as common windows, not a fixed timetable:

2–3 wk
First common spurt
6 wk
Another typical window
3 mo
Feeding ramps up
6 mo
Around starting solids

Every baby is different. Some sail through with barely a ripple; others have several noticeable spurts. The pattern — a few intense days, then back to normal — matters more than the exact week.

How to spot one

  • Much more frequent feeding, sometimes in clusters, especially in the evening
  • Extra fussiness and harder-to-settle moods
  • Changed sleep — some babies sleep more, others wake more
  • Generally seeming hungry soon after a feed

What to do (and not do)

Riding out a growth spurt

  1. Feed responsively — offer the breast or bottle whenever they cue, even if it feels constant
  2. Don't rush to 'top up' a breastfed baby with formula; the extra nursing is building your supply
  3. Look after yourself: water, snacks, rest, and help with everything else
  4. Expect it to ease within 2–3 days as supply catches up and the spurt passes

When it might be something else

A growth spurt is short. If the extra hunger, fussiness or poor sleep stretches beyond a week, or your baby isn't having enough wet and dirty diapers or gaining weight as expected, it's worth a chat with your doctor or child health nurse to rule out other causes like a feeding issue or illness.

Growth spurts are exhausting in the moment and forgettable in hindsight. Trust the pattern, feed your baby, and let your body do the clever thing it's built to do.

This is general information, not medical advice. For concerns about feeding or weight gain, talk with your doctor, child health nurse or a lactation consultant.