Growth Spurts in Babies

The sure sign of your baby going through a growth spurt is that he would suddenly start clamoring for more food. It may seem unfair, but it is a fact that just when you’re finally getting the hang of a reasonably set breastfeeding schedule, your newborn suddenly changes course and begins eating every hour! Moreover, though he’s done, he still acts like he’s ready to have more, making you wonder if he is getting enough milk. But don’t worry, he’s not starving even though he’s acting like it! About five baby growth spurts can happen anytime during the first year, and perhaps, he’s just hit his first baby growth spurt. Here is how to recognize growth spurts in babies.

Growth Spurts in Babies

Doctors say that growth spurts happen soon after the birth, the first one between one and three weeks, and the next one between six and eight weeks. After that, you can expect your baby’s growth spurts at three months, six months, and nine months. But it is possible that your little one forgot to read that part of the book and may have more growth spurts than that!

You have to keep it in mind that one of your baby’s most important jobs this year is to grow bigger. Your baby might triple his body weight by the time he celebrates his first birthday. You should know that a lot of that growth happens in short, intense bursts. The growth spurts in babies account for drastic changes in their height and weight and have the greatest impact on a nursing mom. The good news is that infant growth spurts usually last only 2-3 days, so your baby (and your life) should get back to normal soon. Here are the signs of growth spurts in babies.

• Your baby may want to eat nonstop.
• Changed sleeping patterns may affect your routine. Your baby may howl for a midnight snack, then perhaps after every two hours, at 2 A.M., 4 A.M., and so on. Older babies too wake up earlier from their naps.
• Baby may be crankier than usual. All those late nights disturb his moods and he might be extra fussy at the breast. Latching and unlatching can be observed because he is expecting more milk and cannot get it as your production might not be up to speed yet.

How to Deal with Growth Spurts in Babies

Insufficient sleep may affect your mood. I can understand how extra-exhausting it must be, to have a newborn who suddenly treats breastfeeding like a 24*7 all-you-can-eat buffet. But don’t give up on breast feeding now. According to the nature’s law, the more often your baby breastfeeds, the more he stimulates milk production to keep up with his growing appetite. In case of older babies, eating solid food, you need to take extra care regarding baby feeding.

You should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. You should have a healthy diet. You may recruit help from your partner or a friend to do household chores. You should have enough rest.

If your baby is gaining weight and you need to change his diapers five or six times a day, he’s doing just fine and there is nothing to worry. Baby growth spurts end soon. His hunger pangs will also be over then and things can settle back to normal.

Growth spurts in babies are invariable and essential part of physical maturation and should be considered as a developmental milestone. In some cases growth spurts last for more than a week or even longer. You can carry out effective baby care, by adjusting your feeding schedule accordingly. It is your responsibility to feed your baby whenever he gives out hunger cues.