Many parents notice changes in their baby’s sleep patterns and wonder if growth spurts might be the culprit. After all, those rapid periods of growth can seem like they turn your peaceful sleeper into a wide-eyed night owl overnight.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the fascinating topic of infant growth spurts and sleep. We’ll talk about what growth spurts are, the signs to watch for, and share some handy tips to help you navigate these sleepless nights.
What are growth spurts?
Growth spurts refer to brief intervals during which a child undergoes rapid physical growth in terms of height and weight. Childhood growth spurts are a regular aspect of development that occur at various stages until reaching physical maturity.
When Can You Anticipate Growth Spurts?
In your baby’s first year, she will typically triple her birth weight and grow an astonishing 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 inches) in length.
So, when exactly should you be on the lookout for these infamous growth spurts? Great question! While every baby is unique and can hit these milestones at their own pace, there are some common age ranges when growth spurts tend to occur.
You can generally expect growth spurts to happen around:
*Usually, night two into your baby’s new world is a big adjustment as the gut flora prepares for the transition between colostrum and breast milk.
These periods are approximate, so don’t worry if your baby seems to be on their own schedule. The key is to watch for signs of a growth spurt, which can include increased hunger, more frequent feeding, disrupted sleep, and extra clinginess.
Knowing when these spurts are likely to happen can help you prepare and manage your expectations, making those sleepless nights a little easier to handle.
As your baby transitions from a busy toddler to childhood, growth spurts will continue but will become longer and further apart. Despite this change in frequency, you can still expect patterns of increased hunger, aches, pains, and a greater need for sleep to persist.
How Long do Growth Spurts Last?
Good news! Baby growth spurts only last about three days.
Recognising Growth Spurts
Here are three key signs to look out for if you think your baby is going through a growth spurt:
- Increased hunger
Your baby might suddenly want to nurse more than usual, sometimes as often as every 20 minutes, leaving you wondering about your milk supply. It can feel like she’s constantly cluster-feeding, especially at night. On the flip side, some babies might lose their appetite but still crave a lot of comfort nursing. The good news is that all this feeding will help boost your milk supply, ensuring you have enough to meet their growing needs. - Crankiness/Fussiness
Crankiness is a common sign during a growth spurt. Your baby might become more clingy and irritable. This is perfectly normal and just a phase. It’s important to wait it out and give your little one the extra attention they crave. Within a few days, these symptoms will subside, and your baby will return to their usual self. - Sleep disturbances
Studies show that hormones responsible for bone growth are produced during sleep, so you might notice an increase in napping during the day, and more frequent wakings at night to up their caloric intake.
Coping With Growth Spurts
- Simplify your schedule
During a growth spurt, your baby will be extra needy, which can be challenging if you have a packed schedule. If possible, simplify your calendar to make life easier for both you and your baby. - Wear that baby
Baby-wearing can be a lifesaver during growth spurts. It helps your baby feel secure, often leading to easier nursing and better sleep while keeping your hands free to handle other tasks. - Feed on demand
Babies tend to feed more during growth spurts due to increased hunger. Follow your baby’s hunger cues and offer the breast or bottle whenever they show early signs of hunger. Frequent, shorter feeds can help your milk supply naturally adjust to the increased demand. - Maintaining Breast Comfort for Nursing Moms
Increased feeding during growth spurts can lead to tender and engorged breasts. Relieve full breasts by nursing or hand expressing and frequently massage them to keep the tissue soft. A warm shower or bath can help, too. To prevent sore nipples, wear loose-fitting tops and use lanolin. Soaking your nipples in a solution of 1 part Epsom salts to 3 parts water once a day can also provide relief.
Formula-Fed Babies
If your little one is on formula, try to increase the number of feeds, but do this gradually. Stick to the recommended number of bottles for your baby’s weight, and if you add an extra feeding, do so only for a few days to meet their temporary needs.
It’s important to watch for signs of overfeeding, such as spitting up after a feeding. This usually indicates that your baby is getting too much formula. If this happens, simply readjust the amount accordingly.
- Let go of expectations: As sleep and feeding habits temporarily shift, keep an open mind and remember that this phase won’t last forever. Increased fussiness and hunger are positive signs of growth and development. Challenge yourself to appreciate these growing pains as much as the developmental milestones they bring.
- Stick to your routine: Other than an increase in milk and solids, your little one might fight bedtime and/or have an increase in nightwakings due to hunger. The most important thing you can do for your child is to stick to your routine, keep things consistent and return to normal as soon as the ±3 days have passed and you see your child return to their normal eating habits. This will prevent any new habits from forming which might be difficult to sustain in the long run
Now that you have a solid understanding of what to expect and how to manage growth spurts, you can approach these phases with confidence and ease. Remember, these temporary challenges are a normal part of your baby’s development.If you need any additional support with your baby’s sleep or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help and support you every step of the way!
Blog last revised date: 21 August 2024
