The reality of baby growth spurts might be quite bitter to hear. The infant may be giggling and smiling throughout the day, but the next day she might break her tooth. The child may enjoy when her mother is breastfeeding while the next day she would be relishing solid foodstuffs.
But, in some cases, your little one could go through a progression called as baby growth spurts. While this can pose to be a big problem for the baby and the mother, the stage just lasts for a short period of time.
So, as you scroll ahead, you can catch a glimpse of what baby growth spurts is all about.
When the baby experiences the condition, she may grow three times her weight and eight to ten inches in length. There’s always a drastic change in the overall development of the body as well as the brain. Rapid growth in the formative years can disturb the eating and sleeping routine. But, there’s nothing to worry about when the baby sleeps within an established routine. This shows a positive sign that the growth spurt is going to disappear.
Read Also: How To Stay Fit After Having A Baby?
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Signs of Baby Growth Spurts
Normally, since the baby doesn’t follow the calendar, the condition might be very much different as you think about. So, here are the key signs you need to go through even if you’re wondering if the baby is going through a crucial phase.
Increased Appetite
When you need to feed milk and nutrient rich foods to your baby all the time, you might think she’s cluster feeding at night. On the contrary, she might lose her desire to munch on something but seek comfort through nursing or suckling. After a couple of days, she would probably come back to normal by eating small bits of foodstuffs.
Crankiness
Your baby might get irritated and may need some additional comfort during the phase. Moreover, she might be emotionally dependent and need assistance of caregivers. Some parents may also think that the baby is getting affected due to pain around the abdomen. But, this shouldn’t make them worry because the mental state is regulated in a few days.
Sleep Changes
If the baby is taking a nap for a long duration, but requires a feeding bottle at night, then it could be misunderstood as drifting away from the routine. According to studies, when the infant is sleeping, sleep can increase the body size by an inch. This occurs due to the production of hormones that are responsible for bone growth.
Personality Changes
You might be curious to know why your baby is not willing to leave you. But, on the other hand, you might observe the fear on her face when many people are around her. This is something associated with newborn growth spurts and is not recognized as signs of developmental regression.
On the whole, hunger and clinginess can complement brain development and brain growth. Such a kind of behavior might be observed due to growth spurts. But, the child appears normal after two to three days.
About Baby Growth Spurts Timeline
In general, signs pertaining to baby growth spurts may be perceived in the first few days. This might lead into an awkward situation as the gut flora becomes established with the end of the colostrum and the release of mature breast milk.
Moving ahead, the spurts may occur within 2-3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months. But, after a year, the growth spurts are bound to continue till the child becomes a teenager. When the growth spurt in boys or girls are observed, they tend to feel hungry, and may need more sleep.
How to Manage Toddler Growth Spurts?
Change your Schedule
Just because anything can happen unexpectedly, you, as a parent shouldn’t step out of the house frequently. It’s also better if you avoid meeting your friends or increase stimulation to stir up the excitement. If it’s possible, you should manage a few things within the schedule. If you are working professional, then you should change the schedule and make it more flexible. Ensure that you can fix the meetings to a later hour or can manage the tasks whenever you’re free.
Babywear
As the baby seeks to be close to the mother, you need to practice babywearing to traverse tough times. The infant would actually doze off when you have huddled her in your arms. It is at this instance, you can carry out the household chores and relax later. Besides, you can take off your clothes and the infant’s outfits at night. This would boost the mood and the oxytocin through skin contact.
Self Care
If you are breastfeeding, then you should always remember to eat nutrient-rich foods and plenty of fluids. This is critical to develop your body and just take the infant growth spurts in your stride.
Feel free to seek assistance from your mates and family members. If they can help you with chores and in preparing meals, then you can avail enough time to take rest. If you are working from morning till evening, then see if you can take a holiday or work from your home. Once you are next to the infant, you won’t be worried about what the baby is up to.
Feed on Demand
Observe your baby time and again and offer the breast for feeding milk. Practice this regularly so that the baby’s demand for milk increases. If your baby has lost the desire to eat, then try nursing her comfortably or insist family members to play with her. In the end, skin contact would actually make the infant feel better.
Take care of Breasts
Since you would be breastfeeding the infant frequently, then this can increase the milk production suddenly. So, as you regulate the flow of milk with your hands, you can help the child move out for the growth spurts phase. In case of inflammation, you can massage the area with cabbage leaves or cold packs. If the nipples are prone to sores, then loose-fitting tops or a lanolin can certainly help.
In the end, you should never let your expectations dominate you. Keep your mind open and remember that growth spurts just last for a short time.
Initially, it may be tough to identify the positive signs. But, as the child grows, you need to appreciate yourself and marvel at the developmental milestones. A fussy few days may just make you happier, but once the baby settles in the next stage, you wouldn’t have to be worried about anything.
What Should you Follow for Formula Fed Babies?
If your child likes baby formula, then you need to increase the instances of feeding. Depending on the baby’s weight, you can decide on the number of bottles and whether you need an additional bottle.
Do note that if the baby spits the semi-liquid food, then you are probably feeding her with some extra formula. If you have a busy schedule, then let the care provider take the responsibility of feeding the baby.
What to do if you don’t see Baby Growth Spurt Signs?
If the signs aren’t noticeable in infants, then the condition may be associated with other issues. They might fall ill due to irregular sleeping routine and disrupted feeding. Moreover, they might want to stay peaceful when they have gone through some stress.
Finally, if you doubt something else, then you should speak with the pediatrician immediately. You can also pat the infant and follow the tips mentioned above.