Understand babies’ Growth spurts: What you need to know

Every mother asks herself:” how did my child get that big this fast?” Hence, what is an infant or baby growth spurt? Just after fertilization the embryo starts to grow very quickly and becomes a fetus. With each trimester of pregnancy, distinct changes in the fetus occur. (1) Throughout the 3rd trimester, the fetus gains weight quickly, adding body fat that will help after birth. Within the first hour after birth, the baby will be ready to be fed by the colostrum. The newborn will nurse on demand about 8-12 times per day (every 1 – 3 hours) during the first weeks of life. As he gets older, the duration between feeds will increase and will be of shorter times. However, babies will go throughout different growth spurts. (1)

They are short periods of time (few days) during which the baby has accelerated weight gain and growth. The infant will likely want to feed more often and for longer durations to assimilate the necessary calories and energy to keep up with their rapidly growing body. These growth spurts are a natural physiologic process of baby’s development. (1)

The signs of a baby growth spurt include: insatiability, fussiness, sleep pattern changes, more awakenings, restlessness & always demanding food even after a full meal. (2)

What to do with your child in stressful situations? Soothing the baby by singing, swaddling and comforting methods can calm him and decrease his nervousness especially during these spurts. Do not try to overfeed your little one. (2)

Many growth spurts occur in the first year: at 7-10 days of life, around 2-3 weeks of age, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. By the age of 1, a typical baby will have tripled his birth weight and grown around 25 cm. (2)

For each phase in life, a specific type of diet including all the needs for each age range that allows the child to grow including carbohydrate, fats, protein, vitamins, minerals… A varied diet is highly recommended.

Based on the information previously stated, regular pediatrician checkup visits are preferable during these times to monitor adequate weight gain and growth.

Dr. Rima Khinkarly
Pediatric infectious diseases specialist,
Makassed General Hospital / Rafic Hariri University Hospital

References:
1. Touwslager RN, Gielen M, et al. determinants of infant growth in four age windows: a twin study. J Pediatr 2011;158:566.
2. https://www.thebump.com/a/baby-growth-spurts#2
kidshealth.org (Nemours)

Aptamil is not the author of this article, as it has been written by Dr Rima Khinkarly who is the owner of the content.