If your little one seems to outgrow that adorable onesie overnight, don’t worry your sleep-deprived eyes aren’t deceiving you. Baby growth spurts are frequent and can catch parents off guard during the first year of life.
Though growth spurts can occur at any time, they frequently happen around 10 days, between three and six weeks, and at several points afterward. Notably, growth spurts are especially common at three, six, and nine months. This is why stocking up on baby clothes in various sizes from the get-go is crucial.
When a growth spurt strikes, it’s often rapid and intense. According to Michelle Lampl, a growth researcher at Emory University, babies can gain noticeable weight and length within just 24 hours. Her studies reveal that a baby can grow up to nine millimeters in just one day.
How to Tell if Your Baby is in a Growth Spurt
Sleeping Like a Log or Not at All
Before a growth spurt, some babies tend to sleep more than usual. “There are crucial bodily processes that occur during sleep, which are vital for a baby’s growth,” explains Peter Nieman, a pediatrician from the University of Calgary.
If your baby seems to be catching extra Zs, don’t be tempted to wake her up for feedings unless it’s within the first week and advised by your healthcare provider.
On the flip side, some babies might have trouble sleeping during a growth spurt. If your little one is suddenly waking up at all hours of the night, a growth spurt could be to blame.
Increased Appetite
Another telltale sign of a growth spurt is a sudden spike in hunger. Your baby may demand to eat around the clock, even if she has started sleeping through the night.
If you’re breastfeeding, rest assured that your body will naturally keep pace with your baby’s growing appetite. Just make sure to stay hydrated and enlist the help of a partner or family member to handle tasks that require both hands. If you’re formula-feeding, increase the amount gradually to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to excessive spitting up.
Crankiness and Fussiness
Frequent fussing can also indicate a growth spurt. Lots of cuddles and reassurance can help soothe your little one during this temporary phase.
Growth Spurts Are Temporary
While it might feel like the growth spurt will never end, most only last a few days. If you’re not convinced that a growth spurt is the culprit, consider other possibilities. Changes in mood, feeding habits, and sleep patterns can also signal illness, teething (if your baby is older than three months), or simply a need for extra comfort due to a change in routine.
If you’re concerned that your baby’s symptoms could be something more serious, consult your doctor. But try not to stress over exactly how much your baby is growing or when. Your doctor will track your baby’s growth at each wellness visit, measuring length, head circumference, and weight. As long as your baby is gaining weight steadily and proportionally, there’s no need to worry about exact ounces or inches.
What to Expect After a Growth Spurt
Development of New Physical Skills
Growth spurts often coincide with the development of new physical skills. You might see your baby starting to roll over, scoot across the floor, or even try to pull up to stand. However, this burst of development can also lead to temporary clumsiness as your baby adjusts to her rapidly changing body.
Be sure to stay close by as your baby practices these new skills to prevent any tumbles or accidents.
Changes in Height and Weight
One of the most noticeable outcomes of a growth spurt is an increase in height and weight. While your baby grows a little bit each day, a growth spurt can make these changes more apparent. You might find that your baby’s clothes are suddenly too small, or that it’s time to move up a diaper size.
In general, your baby should double her birth weight by six months and triple it by her first birthday.
Growth in Head Size
During the first year, a baby’s head grows about four to five inches. The first four months are particularly rapid, so you might find yourself needing to buy bigger hats sooner than expected. If you find a cap you love, consider buying it in multiple sizes to accommodate your baby’s growing head.
Temporary Clumsiness
Just like a gangly pre-teen, your baby might exhibit some clumsiness as she adjusts to her rapidly growing limbs. This is perfectly normal as she navigates the new dimensions of her body.
Cognitive Development
Growth spurts don’t just affect physical growth; they also bring about changes in cognitive abilities. Your baby’s brain is busy forming new neural connections, which may lead to the repetitive practice of new skills like rolling over, laughing, or hand-eye coordination.
These mental leaps might result in extra smiles and giggles as your baby masters her newfound abilities.
Fluctuations in Alertness
The physical and mental changes your baby experiences during a growth spurt can also affect her energy levels. Depending on the stage of the growth spurt, she might be more engaged and alert during her waking hours, or she might seem more tired and less playful than usual.
The increased alertness could be due to the new neural connections forming in her brain, while the tiredness might be the result of the extra energy required for growth and development.
Embrace the Growth Spurts
Growth spurts are a natural part of your baby’s development, bringing about both challenges and milestones. While they might be exhausting for both you and your little one, they’re also a sign that your baby is growing and thriving.
So, the next time you notice your baby sleeping more, eating more, or being a bit fussier than usual, take a deep breath and remember: it’s just a growth spurt. And before you know it, your baby will have outgrown yet another onesie and be on to her next big adventure.
