Growth spurts, also known as growth spurts or peak periods, are times when babies have an increased need for energy and, therefore, for food. That's right! The term "growth spurt" refers to a very rapid and sudden increase in your child’s height and weight. These spurts are completely normal, don’t last long, but can be tiring. In fact, you’ll soon learn how to recognize them.
SUMMARY:
- What is a growth spurt?
- Are growth spurts regular?
- How do I know if my baby is going through a growth spurt?
- Breastfeeding your baby and handling growth spurts
- 4 little tips to support your child…
What is a growth spurt?
Growth spurts are short but intense periods in which newborns, babies, and children gain weight and inches all at once. Often (but not always) more cranky, tired, or irritable than usual, they need more attention and especially a lot more milk. In fact, during a growth spurt, hunger is particularly hard to satisfy.
⏰ Fortunately, these periods generally last no more than 24 to 72 hours.
Are growth spurts regular?
Because every baby is unique, a growth spurt may occur at any time, or not at all. However, there are some periods that tend to be more likely for them:
- at 3, 6, and 9 weeks old,
- at 3, 6, and 9 months old.
This is the 3 - 6 - 9 rule which, while not systematic, proves true fairly often. There is also a certain correlation between the emergence of growth spurts and major baby development milestones.
It's true! Right after a peak period, you’ll often notice amazing progress in your child’s language, socialization, curiosity, independence, or motor skills.
Which growth spurt is the hardest to get through?
No growth spurt is harder than another. They’re all about the same! In fact, babies usually go through the first one just 10 days after birth without their parents really noticing. Some babies are a little crankier, while others just ask for their bottle more often.
💡 Did you know? For both big and small appetites—and of course for the hungry tummies during growth spurts—Élhée progressive bottles come in several sizes (150 ml, 240 ml, and 330 ml) and also in sets to give as gifts or to collect!
How do I know if my baby is going through a growth spurt?
Again, it all depends on the child, but there are some telltale signs that can appear during these times when your baby will grow before your eyes. Learning to spot them can help you get through this stage with as much peace as possible.
- During growth spurts, your baby asks to breastfeed or take the bottle more often—day and night.
- Nursing sessions will also be longer and more vigorous. It may feel like you can't keep up, as your baby always seems hungry.
- Your baby may be irritable and be very impatient at mealtimes.
- Falling asleep may also be a bit harder, and night wakings often become more frequent for a few days.
- Finally, your baby may crave more cuddles, more physical contact, and more attention, simply because they sense something feels different.
But what’s true for one baby isn’t always true for another. Some children show no signs—or such subtle ones (except for wanting to feed more often) that parents don't notice. In these cases, it's called a “silent growth spurt.”
Breastfeeding your baby and handling growth spurts
Growth spurts happen to both breastfed and bottle-fed babies. However, while it’s “enough” to prepare more bottles for some, as a breastfeeding mom you might have several questions, especially regarding your milk supply.
🍼 What bottle size should you choose for your baby?
Don't worry, everything will be fine! The only thing to do is follow your baby’s needs. If you’re exclusively breastfeeding and are available for your baby, that's great. Put them to the breast as soon as they start getting fussy. The more they nurse, the more your lactation will be stimulated. You might be more tired for a few days, but you can do it.
If you are pumping, organizing things may be a bit more complicated, but for a mom, nothing is impossible, right? So, following the 3-6-9 rule, try to anticipate the demand peaks by pumping a little more often than usual.
3 tips to encourage your milk supply
In addition to putting your baby to the breast more often, here are a few tricks to help stimulate milk production and meet your little one’s increased needs.
- Offer both breasts at each feeding: baby has a better chance of feeling full and you’ll stimulate your supply more.
- Drink plenty of water (breast milk is made up of more than 80% water).
- Discover nursing teas and/or treat yourself to a non-alcoholic beer from time to time (fennel and hops are especially known to support breast milk production).
And if, during a growth spurt or not, you have questions about your milk supply, no matter what they are, speak to your doctor, your midwife, or a certified IBCLC lactation consultant. They’ll help you find the best way for your breastfeeding journey.
4 little tips for supporting your baby…
Growth spurts disappear as suddenly as they arrived, with no real changes apart from an appetite that’s finally satisfied. But while you wait for relief, here are a few gestures to comfort your baby between feeding sessions.
- Breastfeeding or bottle: respond to their needs promptly. If your baby cries and asks for food, they’re not trying to bother you—they’re genuinely hungry, plain and simple. In fact, you can even offer to feed more often, without waiting for your baby to ask.
- Sleep: because hunger can wake a baby during a growth spurt, even at night, make sure your child gets regular rest—with naps and quiet times throughout the day.
- Physical contact: hold them, cuddle them, give gentle massages and caresses… Anything that can relax and soothe your baby between feedings is especially helpful right now.
- Patience and understanding: don’t forget that growth spurts don’t last, and while a little more challenging with very young breastfed babies, patience (and breast or formula milk) can work wonders.
And 2 tips for moms!
Don’t forget to take care of yourself! During the postpartum period, you have your own needs, fatigue, and maybe some lingering aches and pains.
- Eat healthy and get plenty of vitamins at each meal, drink lots of water, and get some sleep… Yes, at the same time as your baby if you can!
- For breastfeeding moms, sore nipples can happen. At the end of a feeding, remember to gently massage them with a drop of breast milk or a little lanolin.
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