How to Identify and Manage Growth Spurts

During the first 12 months it is likely that your baby will experience multiple growth spurts. During a growth spurt, your baby may double or even triple their birth weight and grow several inches taller. These spurts are essential for your baby's development and are often accompanied by changes in feeding, sleeping, and behavior.

Growth spurts can occur at any time during your baby's first year, however the most common ages when they occur are:

• 2-3 weeks
• 6-8 weeks
• 3 months
• 6 months
• 9 months

It's important to note that every baby is different, so your baby may experience growth spurts at slightly different times.

Identifying a Growth Spurt

There are several signs that may indicate your baby is going through a growth spurt:

• Increased feeding: Your baby may want to feed more frequently or for longer periods of time.
• Change in sleeping pattern: Your baby's sleep patterns may change, with more frequent waking or longer naps. It may feel like your baby’s sleep patterns have regressed.
• Fussiness: Your baby may be more irritable or clingy than usual. Extra tantrums are common due to hunger and disturbed sleep patterns, so extra attention and cuddles may be required to calm them down.
• Weight gain: Your baby may noticeably gain weight during a growth spurt.

A growth spurt typically only lasts a few days. During these periods your baby's body is growing and developing rapidly, resulting in your baby's nutritional requirements substantially increasing.

Managing Growth Spurts

Managing a growth spurt can be challenging, however there are several things you can do to help your baby through this time:

• Feed on demand: Let your baby feed whenever they're hungry, even if it's more often than usual.
• Maintain a consistent routine: Try to keep your baby's sleeping and feeding routines as consistent as possible.
• Take care of yourself: Make sure you're eating well and getting enough rest, as caring for a baby during a growth spurt can be tiring.

Growth spurts are a normal and essential part of your baby's development. Increased appetite, fussiness and overnight weight gain are the most recognizable signs of a growth spurt. These short periods of rapid growth can be disruptive to your established routine however they often propel your baby to learn new things, with their newfound strength and reach. Behaviors and routines will typically revert to normal after a few days.