Growth spurt in babies: we explain!

The first months and years of babies are punctuated by growth peaks. But what is a growth spurt? How do they manifest themselves? We explain in this article.

Summary

What is a growth spurt?
At what age do growth spikes occur?
What are the symptoms of a growth spurt?
What to do about a growth spurt?

What is a growth spurt?

Growth spurt, peak day, growth spurt, etc. These are all terms that describe periods when your baby's periods when your baby's development is accelerating. Your baby will grow, gain weight and ask to eat more frequently. Growth spurts are especially recognizable for breastfeeding women who will find that their little one is demanding to go to the breast more.

These are episodes that will and rhythm of your baby's daily life at different times and at different intervals. The peaks last on average 2 to 48 hours. It can happen that it lasts longer (for example up to 5 days). Of course, as your baby grows, it will be necessary to buy him new clothes and diapers. Indeed, the choice of diaper size is important because a tight-fitting diaper will help reduce leaks and keep baby dry.

At what age do growth peaks occur?

There are several growth peaks occur at different ages. To help you understand, we've outlined below the times of life when your baby's growth spurt can occur.

Infant growth spurt

The first growth spurt in infants occurs around the 7th or 10th day of life. From then on, the next growth spurts occur usually occur every 3 weeks. This may vary for each child.

The growth peak around three weeks

Then, another growth peak occurs around the 3rd week of life. Following this event around three weeks, the time between peaks will gradually increase, to occur around 6 weeksand then even further apart.

Growth peaks in the baby (3 months/6 months)

The next growth peaks take place around 3 and 6 months. Then at 9 months. Even after a year, your baby may experience several more growth spikes.

Knowing the most likely ages at which your baby may experience growth spikes can help you anticipate the symptoms. But, these spikes can also happen without any specific dates.

What are the symptoms of a growth spurt?

There are several signs that your baby is going through a growth spurt.

Your child is asking for food more often Your child is crying, fussing, etc. Your baby's appetite is increasing, but the rate of milk production if you are breastfeeding takes longer to adapt to the demand, so he or she will not be satisfied and will ask for more often;
Your baby's mood changes Your baby's mood changes: the fact that your baby becomes grumpy may be a sign of a growth spurt. If your baby changes his behavior, reassure him by increasing contact with his mother;
Sleep pattern Your baby's sleep pattern is disturbed by his growing appetite and frequent feedings. So, if your baby has been sleeping through the night for a while now, it's possible that a growth spurt will disrupt this. Fortunately, it's only temporary.

What to do about a growth spurt?

Growth spurts can sometimes be difficult to deal with. Fortunately, there are several tips

Calming him down

The first thing to do is to try to calm your baby down. How can you calm him down? We give you several ideas:

Take a bath The combination of the sound of water, warm water and skin-to-skin contact will tend to calm and reassure your baby.
Give him his pacifier Giving your baby his pacifier: since during a growth spurt, the desire to suck increases, a pacifier can help satisfy the need to suck.
Make him listen to quiet music or white noise to capture his attention, soothe him and reassure him.

During growth spurts, the baby needs to be need to be surrounded. Stay close to him. It is possible that the time of falling asleep in the evening also takes more time: there still to continue to reassure it.

Growth peak and breastfeeding

During a growth peak, milk production will naturally adapt to your baby's needs. It will be more important to be in accordance with your baby's needs. The body is well made and during breastfeeding many factors can vary: the quantity of course, the quality, the color, the percentage of fat concentration, water, antibodies, nutrients etc...

During a growth peak, you have to trust your baby and give him as much food as he wants. During these periods, baby expends a lot more energy and therefore needs to eat in greater quantities.

It can sometimes be hard for moms who are going through periods called "cluster feeds.cluster feedsIt can sometimes be hard for moms who are going through periods called "cluster feeds" when your baby is clamoring for the breast. Keep in mind that this is a transitory period. Do not hesitate to ask for help Don't hesitate to ask for help from those around you at these times, for example by preparing meals in advance, or by creating a quiet space where you can breastfeed in peace and quiet.

Growth spurt and bottle feeding

If you are bottle-feeding your baby, the principle is the same as for breastfeeding: you must listen to your baby You need to listen to your baby, who will know how to show you his need to be fed.

Your baby will also have a greater need to suck: you can give him a pacifier to relieve him.

FAQs on baby's growth spurt

What are the signs of a growth spurt?

Growth spurts can happen in many ways, but the most common signs are increased feedings and an increased appetite.

When do growth spikes occur?

There are many growth spikes during the early stages of baby's life. The first one often happens between the 7th and 10th day. After that, as the baby grows, the growth spikes will become less frequent.