What you should know about Baby Growth Spurts | Support Growing Baby

“He’s just going through a growth spurt.” How many times have you heard that from a grandmother, mother, or in-law when your baby is sleeping long or having trouble sleeping? 💁‍♀️

As new moms we always want to know what’s causing our babies to act a certain way. Especially if it interferes with their precious sleep schedule. 😴😪

We work so hard to get our babies settled into a sleep routine for it to be disrupted by teething or possibly growth spurts.

Are baby growth spurts real?

Yes, baby growth spurts are real! WIC explains that baby growth spurts occur several times over your baby’s first year of life.

If you’re a second time mom you’ve probably noticed that your baby can break from growing then jump two sizes😲 in clothing within a few weeks.

Seriously, our first child went from newborn clothing to 6 months within the first 3 months of his life. That gives you a pretty good indication of baby growth!

How do you know when your baby is going through a growth spurt?

There are several indicators that your baby is about to or is going through a growth spurt.

Watch your newborn for these signs.

1. Breastfeeding Patterns– During a growth spurt your baby might start to have longer breastfeeding sessions and feed more often throughout the day and night, also known as cluster feeding.
   
   According to the Office of Women’s Health you shouldn’t worry that you will run low on milk supply. Your body will adjust to fit the needs of your growing baby.
   
2. Sleep Patterns– You might notice that your baby is sleeping more during their growth spurt.
   
   This is totally normal as they need to rest their bodies more while they grow. If you are concerned make sure to seek advice from your pediatrician or a nurse.
   
3. Break from routine– With changes in breastfeeding and sleeping patterns you will definitely notice a break from routine.
   
   Your baby will be sleeping longer and at different times and breastfeeding longer and at different times.
   
   Routines are very important to most new moms who are tired and desperately in need of rest. But, this growing phase won’t last forever.
   
4. Temperament– Your baby might be fussier than normal during a growth spurt.
   
   They might want to be held more, rocked more, breastfed more.
   
   This may be more true for busy families and moms who need to run errands with a tired baby who is growing. Even more so if your infant is experiencing teething at the same time.
   
5. Noticeable Growth– Another sign that your baby is going through a growth spurt is noticing their growth.
   
   You are with baby every day, so you will definitely notice if their clothing or diapers start to fit tight.

How long do growth spurts last?

Growth spurt typically only last for 2-3 days. In this American Academy of Sleep Medicine study they found that baby growth occurred within the span of a few days.

Will my baby have growing pains?

Your baby shouldn’t experience growing pains during their growth spurt.

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles explains that growing pains usually don’t begin until age 3. So, you won’t need to worry about growing pains until your baby is well into toddlerhood.

Do Babies sleep a lot during growth spurts?

Yes, babies do sleep quite a bit more during growth spurts.

One clinical study cited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine shows that babies experience irregular “bursts” of sleep during growth spurts, which usually last a few days or more. During this time they were able to record an increase in growth in the babies studied.

How can I help my baby through a growth spurt?

You can help your baby through their growth spurt with a little more love and support.

Most likely you will notice one or more of the changes described above during your baby’s growth spurt.

Offer extra support to your baby by:

• Letting your baby have longer feeding sessions. Don’t worry about your breastfeeding schedule during growth spurts. Let your baby feed until they are satisfied.
  
  Remember your baby might start cluster feeding, where they are feeding more often during the day and night for varied lengths of time.
  
• Don’t worry about your baby’s sleep schedule. Give them extra time to sleep as they need the rest for growing.
  
• Be patient. Having a fussy growing baby can be difficult. Especially since that might mean more rest for baby and less sleep for mom.
  
  During growth spurts my babies have always been fussy and wanted to be held through the day and night. 😭
  
  This is just a spurt, which means it won’t last forever. Once your baby is done with their growth spurt you can work on getting back to your normal routine.
  
• Offer lots of love during your babies growth spurt. Give them extra time to feed and rest. Let them know you are there for them by meeting their needs. 💖
  
  This is a special time for mom and baby to spend resting, snuggling, and bonding together!
  
• Stock up on the next size of baby clothes. You never know when your baby is going to go through a growth spurt, so it’s good to have the next size of clothing ready to go.
  
  You can find your baby has grown into a different size of clothing within a matter of days and want to be prepared. Use these tips for baby savings on things like clothing.

Baby growth spurts are real and do cause some changes in your baby’s behavior. But, if you are prepared to adapt to their new routine you and your baby will get through the growth spurt just fine.

Remember that growth spurts are just a phase and your baby will most likely return to their routines once they are finished growing.

As always if you have concerns for your baby’s health or well being consult your pediatrician.

More resources for new moms:

Raising your Baby on a Budget
The Ultimate List of Free Baby Samples
How to get Free Postpartum Supplies
Wear to Shop for Baby on a Budget
Solve Toddler and Baby Sleep Regression
Baby Proofing Hacks

Have you noticed your baby acting differently during a growth spurt? How did you get them through their growth spurt? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!