For those who see such a beautiful and adorable baby, it’s hard to imagine that growth spurts can affect the mood of this sweet little creature and that everything can change for a simple reason: a baby’s growth spurt. But this topic is still not well-known, and mothers often realize that their baby has changed completely. The once calm, sleepy, and easygoing baby starts to require more attention, cries about everything, and doesn’t want to eat—in short, this phase demands a lot more love.
Yes, all of this is due to baby’s growth, and growth spurts even tend to happen at certain times, did you know? Well, a baby’s growth spurt can happen for several reasons. The most considered reason for these crises is the discomfort caused by “stretching”. So can we say that growing hurts? In reality, babies go through growth spurts that can affect their entire body structure and cause pain, but this isn’t a proven theory—though it is the most plausible for the mood swings during growth1.
The first growth spurt may happen at 3 or 4 months of age, a period when the baby’s motor and emotional development becomes very noticeable. At 3 months, babies are already showing more alertness to the world, and this “awakening” phase is sometimes called the symbiotic phase. The initial changing phase at 3 or 4 months can be quite complicated, as some babies may reject the breast or not want to eat, sleep, or stay in any position. It is literally a tough phase that the child goes through, and moms, dads, and anyone else caring for the baby can get worried.
Another growth spurt can happen between the 6th and 7th month of life, when the baby can also grow a bit more and starts to see the world with new eyes2. Let’s say that around 6 months, babies realize they can move, be part of their environment, and may go through another growth spurt. At this stage, babies may also become wary of people around them and have crying spells. Also, around the 6th month, another significant change may begin: teething, which is an even more accepted explanation for their irritation. Indeed, teething can be very uncomfortable!
Another growth spurt can occur at 9 months and again at 18 months, but all of these are temporary. The rest of the time, baby’s growth may hardly be noticed, except for the amount of outgrown clothing and developmental changes that continue as usual. But the 9-month growth spurt can be the strongest of all—there is no clear explanation for this, it simply happens. It may last longer than the others and also have more intense symptoms. The most apparent and common features of these growth spurts are a noticeable loss of appetite and much more troubled nights for the child3. The baby can simply stop sleeping through the night and whimper a lot. Usually, these growth spurts last only a few days, not more than 20 days—even in the case of the strongest one at 9 months.
So what should you do during a baby’s growth spurt?
Patience is the main ingredient! Of course, parents should keep an eye on their baby’s health and normal development. If something seems off with the baby’s growth or if the spurt lasts too long, it’s important to check with your doctor. Growth spurts should be reported to your trusted pediatrician, and if necessary, the doctor may order some tests to check on the baby’s health.
Blogger’s note: Moms and dads, don’t worry—this phase will pass! I remember very well all the growth spurts my children went through, and they were all tough. The lack of appetite can really be scary, as well as other symptoms like restless nights, but they pass. Right after the crisis, babies go back to eating and sleeping as they did before. Providing calm and reassurance to your baby is very important—they definitely feel your support, and that comfort will help them during these tough moments, whether it’s from pain or a phase of transition. Remember, each child has their own pace of growth, and these are necessary phases for their development and adjustment to life. Patience, love, and plenty of affection can help your baby get through this annoying stage much more easily. Until next time!
See also: Jealousy of the Younger Sibling – How Difficult!
Photo: Prayitno / Thank you for, Frank Avitia
