Have you heard about baby growth spurts? If you just found out about it, you probably do not know what its effects are. Should you prepare anything? Will it have any effect on you? You can find answers here, plus a few more tips. What are you waiting for? Continue reading and start learning!
What Are Baby Growth Spurts?
Growth spurts are periods of time when individuals experience rapid growth in weight and height. Your baby will experience it several times in their first year of life. Please note that these may change your baby's behavior. For example, your baby may feed more than usual during a growth spurt.
What Causes Growth Spurts?
Growth spurts are natural but the genetic makeup of your baby influences it. Day by day, your baby grows. Their body bones and muscles become more developed. On top of that, they are feeding every day and that creates fat. This steady growth will occasionally accelerate based on your baby's genes. It is a process that ensures they will reach their maximum height.
What Is the Difference Between Growth Spurts and Developmental Milestones?
Growth spurts are quick changes in your baby's physique. It is about the time when your baby quickly gains weight and height. On the other hand, developmental milestones are about skills they should learn at certain points. That includes their first word or learning the ability to walk.
When Will Babies Experience Growth Spurts?
The growth patterns of babies are different from each other. Thus, one baby might experience more or fewer growth spurts compared to their peers. It also means that we can't pinpoint when your baby will experience these growth spurts. However, experts have identified when they are most likely to happen:
|
Growth Spurt |
Age |
|
1 |
1 - 3 weeks |
|
2 |
6 - 8 weeks |
|
3 |
3 months |
|
4 |
6 months |
|
5 |
9 months (growth spurt in the brain) |
What Are the Signs of Baby Growth Spurt?
Your baby will show behavioral changes that will tell you that they are having a growth spurt. First, they will have an increased appetite. They would need to feed more because they are growing faster than usual. This also results in changes in their sleep. A newborn may wake up more times in the middle of the night for night feedings. Likewise, they may wake earlier from naps to feed.
The sign that may concern you the most is the crankiness. Your baby will find it difficult to sleep for a long time during a growth spurt. Furthermore, they will be hungry more often. Thankfully, baby growth spurts are short-lived. So, you don't have to worry about it for too long.
How Long Does Baby Growth Spurts Last?
Baby growth spurts last a few days only. That said, everything will be back to normal very quickly. That includes your baby's feeding and sleep schedules. Because they are not hungry as often and they can enjoy peaceful sleep again, they would stop being too cranky.
Do Babies Sleep More During Growth Spurts?
It depends on the age of your baby. For most babies, the answer is yes. Their rapidly growing body would demand more rest. As such, they will sleep more. On the other hand, newborns who still need night feedings may wake up more frequently due to hunger.
Do Infants Have Growing Pains?
Babies are not susceptible to growing pains. It usually occurs when a child is 3 to 12 years old. Also, "growing pains" is defined as aching in the legs. Despite the name, there is no solid evidence that links it with growth. That said, even growth spurts will not cause growing pains, as it does not cause aching in the limbs.
How to Ensure Your Baby's Healthy Growth?
You have to make sure your baby is getting adequate nutrition. For the first 6 months, feed them exclusively with breast milk. It is the best source of nutrients for their age. Once they are 6 months old, you can start introducing solids. However, you should still give them plenty of breast milk.
On top of that, ensure they are completing the recommended sleep hours for their age. Furthermore, they should be getting enough exercise. They don't need to play like older kids do. Crawling, walking, and picking up items will do.
Most importantly, check if they are gaining weight as they should. You can use the Momcozy Multi-Function Baby Scale to monitor that. This tool not only helps you measure your baby's weight but also their height! It is very cost-effective. You can even use it to take your measurements.
How To Deal with Baby Growth Spurt Symptoms?
You need to provide your baby with the support that they need to deal with baby growth spurt. This can be tiring for you, but with the right tools, it can become easily manageable. Here are some tips:
Hunger
If you are feeding your baby every time they are hungry, you are already doing great. However, please note that you would need to feed your baby more frequently when they are experiencing a growth spurt. This can easily tire you. That said, you should eat more and rest when you can to keep up.
You can also use tools like the Momcozy nursing pillow to take pressure off your neck and shoulders when breastfeeding. With this tool, you can also say goodbye to sore arms.
Sleep
Sleep is important for growth. So, set appropriate sleep schedules to meet this need. Suppose your baby is 1 -3 months old. They would need nighttime feeds, meaning they would wake up several times. Feed them as soon as possible so they can also go back to sleep quickly. Also, keep the lights dimmed and ensure there is no noise in your house.
Crankiness or Fussiness
If your baby is becoming fussy, talk to them softly or cuddle them. Also, think of other ways to soothe them based on your experience. Try everything that you can think of until you find what can calm them down.
Conclusion
Baby growth spurts are periods of time when your baby gains weight and grows taller quicker. They are great for your baby's development. However, it comes with a set of problems. Your baby may become fussy, and it may seem like they are always hungry. This can be stressful for you. But equipped with the knowledge and the right tools, you can easily overcome these challenges. There is also solace in knowing that these growth spurts only last a few days.
