Your baby suddenly wants to feed all the time, sleeps differently, and cries more than usual. It can be worrying, and many parents start to wonder whether something is wrong or if their milk is not enough. In many cases, this kind of sudden change is a normal baby growth spurt. This article walks you through when growth spurts usually happen, what signs to watch for, and how to support both your baby and yourself. Continue reading and start learning!
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.
Growth spurts are a natural part of development. Your baby's genes set the basic growth pattern, but nutrition, sleep, and overall health also play important roles. During a growth spurt, hormones tell your baby's body to build more tissue in a short time, which is why you may notice very sudden changes in appetite, sleep, and behavior.
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 the skills they should learn at certain points. That includes their first word or learning the ability to walk.
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:
Timeline of Baby Growth Spurts
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 hardest part for many parents is the extra fussiness. A baby who usually sleeps well may suddenly wake often, cry more, and only settle in your arms. This can be exhausting and frustrating, especially when you are already sleep-deprived. The good news is that most growth spurts last only a few days, and your baby’s feeding and sleep patterns usually settle again once this intense phase passes.
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.
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.
Babies are not susceptible to growing pains. This term usually describes aching in the legs of children aged 3 to 12 years. Despite the name, there is no clear evidence that links this pain directly to growth, and normal baby growth spurts do not cause limb pain.
If your baby’s legs look swollen, feel warm or red, or your baby cries in pain when you touch or move them, contact your pediatrician right away so a doctor can check for other causes.
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 as older kids do. Crawling, walking, and picking up items will do.
Most importantly, check if they are gaining weight as they should. Many parents find it reassuring to track their baby’s growth between check-ups. A baby scale can help you watch the overall trend in weight gain and length at home, especially during the first months. The Momcozy Multi-Function Baby Scale is designed for this kind of everyday use, with a tray that supports tiny babies and a platform that can be used later for toddlers or even adults.
You need to provide your baby with the support that they need to deal with their growth spurt. This can be tiring for you, but with the right tools, it can become easily manageable. Here are some tips:
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.
Longer and more frequent feeds can be tough on your back, neck, and arms. A supportive nursing pillow, such as the Momcozy Nursing Pillow, helps lift your baby to a comfortable height so you do not have to hunch forward or hold their weight the entire time. That extra support can make cluster-feeding days feel much easier on your body.
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.
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.
Most growth spurts are normal and pass within a few days. Still, you know your baby best. Call your pediatrician if:
A quick check can rule out illness and give you peace of mind.
Baby growth spurts are periods of time when your baby gains weight and grows taller quickly. 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.
During a growth spurt, your baby may seem hungry all the time, which can make you worry that your milk is not enough. In reality, frequent feeding is how your body gets the signal to make more milk. Most parents notice that supply catches up within a few days. If your baby has very few wet diapers or seems sleepy and weak, talk to a lactation consultant or pediatrician.
The ages listed in this article are rough guides, not strict rules. Some babies grow in smaller, more frequent bursts, while others have bigger but less frequent spurts. As long as your baby is gaining weight, growing in length, and meeting milestones, small differences in timing are usually normal.
Formula-fed babies can also have growth spurts and may suddenly take larger or more frequent bottles for a few days. Follow your baby’s hunger and fullness cues and check with your pediatrician about total daily amounts if you are unsure.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any medical condition. Momcozy is not responsible for any consequences arising from the use of this content.
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