5 July 2022Babies come with plenty of unpredictable moments. Growth spurts are one of those unpredictable things — you never quite know what will happen. Growth spurts in babies indicate a quick rise in their weight and height within a short period of time, at times even having noticeable weight and length changes in just one day. These growth spurt periods can be as short as just a few days.
In their first year, babies grow more rapidly than any other year of their life. By their first birthday, they can triple their birth weight and grow as much as 10 inches in length.
There are no hard and fast rules with growth spurts, only that it’ll happen in all babies. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about growth spurts:
When do growth spurts occur
There are often around 5 growth spurts in your baby’s first year and occur at fairly regular intervals. They typically happen between weeks 1-3, weeks 4-6, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months. Growth spurts can be disruptive to your baby’s routine but they typically last only a day or two. If your baby seems to have a different pattern of growth spurts, do not worry as every baby is different and this is nothing to worry about.
Signs of growth spurts
Changes in feeding pattern
When your baby’s feeding pattern changes with an increase or decrease, it can be due to growth spurts. During an increase in feeding pattern, they’ll want to be nursed more frequently and may even tend to feed continually between 24-48 hours. Some may also feed for longer or more often. This is known as cluster feeding. Your body will adjust to this new demand by producing more milk so that your baby is getting enough milk. Be sure to take in more fluid and calories to keep up with this demand during these demanding times.
When the growth spurt period ends, the amount of milk and nutrients your baby needs will reduce. So it may seem like your baby is having a decrease in appetite, but this is completely normal. Both you and your baby will also adjust and adapt naturally to the increase and decrease.
Weight gain
Sudden weight gain in babies, even overnight, is another sign of the growth spurt. There is nothing to be concerned about this, especially when you see other signs of growth spurts too. Instead relish in baby’s growth during this period!
Changes in sleep
Your baby’s usual sleep routine may change as they wake up to feed during the night. They may also sleep more during periods they’re not feeding, as sleep is essential during a growth spurt because growth hormones are secreted during sleep in young children. Since peak production of the growth hormone actually occurs during stages of deep sleep during the night, you’ll see that babies really do grow overnight!
Changes in mood and behaviour
You’ll likely see changes in your baby’s mood and behaviour, especially when their sleep is affected. They may be extra fussy, clingy, needy and restless during the growth spurt period. Try to be patient and adapt to your baby’s changes. Give them the comfort and reassurance they need. You can also ask your partner or family to help out so that you can care for yourself too during this time when baby needs more love and attention.
Remember — growth spurts can be demanding periods of time but it means progress for your baby!
Enjoy the growth of your little one
Witnessing growth spurts in your little one can be delightful and encouraging. You’d surely like to do everything you can to aid this growth. One of the best ways is through breastfeeding. This can not only nourish and keep your baby healthy through growth spurts, nursing can also be soothing and a source of comfort and bonding for baby during this tough time.
Need a boost in your milk supply? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. Marian’s Lactation Boost has a variety of lactation cookies that are a delicious way to boost your milk supply while ensuring you are taking in nutrients that you can pass on to baby. We also have other lactation bakes like muffins, brownies and vegan / allergen free cupcakes. Check out our full range of lactation and pregnancy treats and enjoy a 10% discount for a la carte items that starts at the end of July in the lead up to World Breastfeeding Week (1st to 7th August 2022).
