Growth spurts in babies can seem a bit scary, especially for first-time parents. Let’s examine topics such asbabies’ behavior during the growth spurt period, growth spurts month by month and what to do during a growth spurt…
What is a Growth Spurt in Infants?
Growth spurts in babies occur periodically. These episodes, which manifest themselves in situations such as not sleeping at all / refusing to eat / crying constantly, actually coincide with periods when the baby undergoes significant mental and physical changes. The scientific name given to the reactions of the baby during these periods of development and change is: growth spurt. Now, let’s first givea more detailed answer to the question of what a growth spurt is and then discuss the periods of growth spurt month by month . .
see also the article Sleep Patterns in Babies 0-3 Months !
What is a Growth Spurt in Infants?
A growth spurt can also be summarized as a change in a baby’s temperament. A baby who suddenly changes the routine he or she has been used to for a few weeks can cause stress and tension for parents. Adults who do not understand this change can feel greatly stressed. However, the baby shows some very natural reactions while getting used to the outside world and growing up.
Month by Month Growth Spurts
It is important to know the growth spurts of babies month by month. This way you can be prepared for their reactions to growth spurts. Now, let’s take a look at what are growth spurts by month:
Babies may experience up to 10 growth spurts between 0 and 2 years of age, varying in severity and length.
- 5.growth spurts at weeks 8, 12 and 14
- 23.week-long growth spurt
- 36. the growth spurt that takes place when the baby starts to crawl slowly in a week
- at 11 to 12 months of age, they start walking and may have a new attack. However, this attack lasts a little longer. Sometimes it can last up to 45 days and is a bit stressful.
- 55.babies who experience 3 more attacks in a row in the 64th and 75th weeks have now completed their growth spurts.
When the Attacks are Completed
These growth spurts that babies experience until the age of two are very challenging for their mothers, who are the closest people to them, and for other parents. Unfortunately, when the growth spurt is over, the 2 year old syndrome begins.
What Happens During Growth Spurts?
Being very restless when he falls asleep can be the first sign of a growth spurt. He may also become overly fond of breastfeeding or refuse to suck. You can prevent milk production from stopping by expressing milk with a breast pump when he refuses to suck .
Crying and stress are also common when the mother is out of sight. In fact, during these attacks, when the mother feels like a prisoner of the cute baby, the baby does not want to leave the mother’s sight even for a moment. In attacks after one year of age, changing habits is common. For example, it is common for the baby to refuse to eat zucchini when it used to love eating zucchini, or to enjoy bathing but no longer wants to.
What to do when babies have a growth spurt?
Growth spurts are normal and natural. They are the result of the baby’s growth. Take them as normal. Don’t be stressed or nervous. Massage and soothe your baby, and when he or she is very irritable, you can try giving him or her a warm bath. You can put on some soft music and sing a lullaby or a song in your own voice. Breastfeeding can also soothe your baby.
The growth spurts babies experience are part of their healthy development. A patient approach by parents during this period will have a positive effect on the baby’s development and the baby’s ability to overcome the process. Prefer to patiently follow and help the process rather than giving direction.