How to Help Toddlers and Children with Growing Pains

As parents, we want to do everything we can to soothe our children’s discomfort and help them get the rest they need. While growing pains don’t cause any long-term harm, they can disrupt sleep and leave little ones feeling unsettled. The good news is there are simple, effective ways to ease the aches and make bedtime more comfortable. In this guide, we’ll explain what growing pains are, why they happen, and the best ways to help your child feel better so that everyone can get a good night’s sleep.

Growing pains are cramp-like pains that occur at night in toddlers, children, and pre-teens. They usually start around the age of 3 or 4 and can continue until around the age of 12. As a child grows, their body undergoes many changes: their bones harden, and their muscles develop. While growing pains are most commonly felt in the legs, they can also occur in the arms and other areas of the body.

The most important factor is that these pains only occur at night when the body is recovering from the day. Therefore, if your child complains of leg pain during the day, it is recommended that you take them to a GP as soon as possible. The NHS also recommends seeing a GP if growing pains are recurring, even if they only occur at night.

Surprisingly, the exact cause of growing pains remains poorly understood. Many theories have been proposed, but none are conclusive. Research suggests that children with growing pains tend to have a lower pain threshold compared to those without them. Additionally, some evidence links growing pains to reduced bone strength in young patients, although this remains a topic of debate.

Some healthcare professionals indicate that growing pains are likely due to intense muscle activity throughout the day. For this reason, they are more commonly experienced after children have had an active day. However, even though the root cause is still uncertain, there are ways to alleviate the pain, including massage, stretching, and staying well-hydrated.

There is no specific treatment for growing pains, as they usually improve on their own within a year or two. Growing pains in toddlers and children do not cause other health problems or affect growth, so there is no need to worry. In the meantime, you can help ease your child’s growing pains with simple self-care measures:

• Gently massage the area – This helps them relax and soothes their discomfort.
• Use moisturiser – Calling it a ‘magic cream’ and rubbing it into their skin can provide comfort and reassurance.
• Stretch before bed – Light stretching can help relieve growing pains by loosening muscles and easing tension built up during the day.
• Use a heating pad – Applying gentle heat on a low setting before bedtime can help soothe sore muscles.
• Take a warm bath – A bath before bed can help ease any growing pains while also promoting relaxation.
• Try a pain reliever – If the pain persists, you can give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen (such as Calpol), but always check the correct dosage based on their age.

Despite their unknown cause, growing pains in toddlers and children are not a cause for concern. They are extremely common, with up to 10–20% of healthy, school-age children experiencing them. The most important thing to know about growing pains is that they do not cause any long-term health effects. The only impact is the pain felt at the time.

Although growing pains are generally harmless, there are cases where leg pain in toddlers may not be related to growth but to something more serious. If you have any concerns, consult your GP.

The following list, taken from WebMD, highlights symptoms that may indicate a more serious condition unrelated to growing pains. If your child experiences any of these, it is important to seek medical advice:

• The pains persist or are frequent.
• Your child hurts for a long time throughout the day.
• The pain is there in the morning.
• They still hurt long after getting an injury.
• Their joints ache.
• They have a fever.
• They get unusual rashes.
• They limp or favour one leg.
• They are tired or weak.
• They are less active than usual.

If your child has any other concerning symptoms, it is still important to see a GP.

Growing pains are a normal part of development for many children and adolescents. They most commonly affect those between the ages of 3 and 5, as well as 8 and 12. These pains typically occur at night and feel like cramps or muscular discomfort. A gentle massage will usually help alleviate the pain, but stretching before bed and using child-friendly pain relief can be beneficial in more severe cases. Be sure to consult your GP before giving any medication.

For more information on sleep and child-related issues, visit the children and parents section of the Sleep Matters Club. And remember, if you have any concerns, no matter how small, book an appointment with a GP.