Glossary · Growth
Growth spurt
A short period of faster growth in height and weight, common in infancy, around ages 6–8 and again at puberty. Many children seem hungrier than usual for a few days or weeks, which is normal, so let their hunger lead within your usual meals and snacks.
What it can look like at the table
During a growth spurt, many children seem hungrier than usual for a few days or weeks. A toddler who usually picks at lunch may ask for seconds, want an extra snack, or wake up hungry. Then appetite drops back, sometimes just as suddenly. Between spurts, growth is slower, so smaller appetites are normal too. After the first birthday, growth slows down a lot compared with the baby months, which is one reason many toddlers eat less than they did at 10 months.
How to respond
Let your child's hunger lead within your usual routine. You still decide what food is served and when; your child decides how much.
- Offer seconds of the main meal, not only the favorite food.
- Make snacks small meals: yogurt with fruit, toast with egg, cheese with soft pear.
- Keep fruit, yogurt or toast ready for the hungrier days.
- Keep meals and snacks at regular times rather than grazing all day.
Hungry stretches and milk
Some toddlers try to fill a hungry stretch with extra milk. Milk is filling, so a lot of it can leave less room for foods like meat, beans, eggs and vegetables. Serve milk with meals in an open cup, and put the food on the table first.
When it settles down
Most hungry stretches pass on their own, and appetite goes back to its usual ups and downs. Look at what your child eats over a week, not a single day. If you're unsure whether your child's appetite fits how they're growing, ask your pediatrician.
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References
Related terms
Miriel uses this concept across food scans, meal plans, and AI Coach responses where it is relevant to a child's profile. For the underlying clinical and scientific basis, see the research page.