What Happens to a Baby During the Third Growth Crisis
 Category | Growth crises |
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This is normal: it's part of adaptation and will pass
- frequent night wakings
- fussiness or unexplained crying
- wanting to be held constantly
- difficulty calming down
How to support your baby
- Speak calmly, clearly, and with pauses.
- Smile, offer soft toys with different textures and sounds.
- Hold your baby facing you so they can watch your expressions.
- Support contact through swaddling, rhythmic motion, and rocking.
- Avoid sudden changes in routine — consistency helps with adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Third Growth Spurt
When does the third growth spurt happen?
The third growth spurt typically occurs around 11–12 weeks of age. During this stage, babies become more aware of changes in light, sound, and movement.
What new skills appear during the third growth spurt?
Babies begin making more intentional eye contact, tracking faces and toys for longer, and showing early babbling. They may also start responding more actively to voices and facial expressions.
How can I support my baby during the third growth spurt?
Talk calmly, smile often, and give your baby opportunities to watch your face. Consistent routines, gentle rocking, and age-appropriate toys with different textures and sounds can help them adjust to new experiences.
Why is my baby fussier and waking more often?
As the brain adapts to new sensory information, babies can become more sensitive and easily overstimulated. This may lead to increased fussiness, more frequent waking, and a stronger need for physical closeness.
With care
Our articles are based on evidence-based medicine and reviewed by pediatricians. However, they do not replace a consultation with your doctor. Every child is unique — if you have any concerns, please consult a medical professional.
Sources
- Plooij FX, van de Rijt-Plooij H. The Wonder Weeks: How to Stimulate Your Baby's Mental Development and Help Him Turn His 10 Predictable, Great, Fussy Phases into Magical Leaps Forward. Kiddy World Publishing; 2017. ISBN: 978-9491882166
- Child growth standards, WHO, https://www.who.int/tools/child-growth-standards/standards. Accessed 7 May 2025.
- 12 month developmental milestones, UK National Health Service, https://www.cambspborochildrenshealth.nhs.uk/child-development-and-growing-up/milestones/12-months/.
- National Research Council (US) and Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Integrating the Science of Early Childhood Development. From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development. Shonkoff JP, Phillips DA, editors. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2000. PMID: 25077268. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25077268/.
- and de Onis, M. (2006), WHO Motor Development Study: Windows of achievement for six gross motor development milestones. Acta Pædiatrica, 95: 86-95. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1651-2227.2006.tb02379.x. Accessed 7 May 2025.
- CDC’s Developmental Milestones, U.S. Centers for disease control and prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html. Accessed 7 May 2025.
- Toddler Developmental Milestones & Safety, Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22625-toddler-developmental-milestones--safety. Accessed 7 May 2025.
- Misirliyan SS, Boehning AP, Shah M. Development Milestones. 2023 Mar 16. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 32491450. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32491450/