Growth spurt in children

A growth spurt is something every child goes through, although its course is very individual. Some children will be difficult during this period both during the day and at night, while parents may hardly notice any change in others. What is a growth spurt? When does it happen and what are its signs?

What is a growth spurt

This is a period in which the child grows faster than usual. The baby cries more often, is restless, wants to breastfeed almost constantly, cannot be put down without crying, and demands your attention. It may happen that from one day to the next, the baby no longer fits into the clothes it wore the previous day. 

Signs of a growth spurt

• More frequent breastfeeding during the day and at night;
• restlessness while breastfeeding;
• changes in sleep - the child sleeps much more or, on the contrary, much less;
• tearfulness;
• the child cannot be put down;
• greater weight gain;
• breastfeeding takes longer;
• greater need for attention.

When it appears and how long a growth spurt lasts

The period when a growth spurt occurs varies even among experts, but babies do not know the calendar, so the days and months are rather approximate. Usually it is around:

• day 7-10,
• at 3 weeks,
• at 6 weeks,
• at 9 weeks,
• at 3 months,
• at 6 months,
• at 9 months,
• in toddler and preschool age,
• during puberty. 

It usually takes 2-3 days for milk production to increase (more frequent putting the baby to the breast naturally increases milk supply), and there is no need to give a breastfed child formula milk. It does not mean that you have too little milk or that your milk is weak. For children on formula, it is enough to add another bottle feed. Simply put, it is a period that is natural for children’s development, and although it is demanding for both sides, it can be managed. Exceptionally, a spurt can last up to a week. In toddlers, preschoolers, and older children, the spurt usually shows up as leg pain (in the shin area) and greater restlessness, irritability, and things suddenly feel different. 

How to handle a growth spurt

The best thing is to adapt to the child’s needs. More frequent breastfeeding (mainly check that the child is really drinking and not just sucking), carrying in a wrap/carrier so there is no need to put the child down. At the same time, remember yourself and rest more (if possible, sleep during the day with the child), drink more fluids, and do not go hungry. 

A growth spurt is just another stage on our parenting journey. Just as all the teeth grow in, a runny nose goes away, you stop breastfeeding, or you potty-train the child. It is good to know that a child grows in leaps and bounds and that this can bring certain changes in their behavior. But there is no need to worry in advance, because every child is different and handles different situations differently. We keep our fingers crossed that the course of the spurt will be as smooth as possible, and if it isn’t, it will pass after a few days and your smiling little one will be back again.