How To Deal With Baby Growth Spikes?
When she gets her child in her arms for the first time, the parent feels strong emotions that she would like to hold on to indefinitely. However, every child grows up, and parents face different challenges and changes, of which growth spikes are one example.
What are baby growth spurts?
Baby growth spells are the stages when a baby grows in height. Because of this, the baby may feel dissatisfied – the milk doesn’t feel enough, and he demands more of it.
During these stages, it is common for the baby to feel uncomfortable and may cry a lot to show that they are unhappy.
This natural process causes the mother’s milk production to increase to meet the baby’s needs, so remember that the baby’s milk needs regulate the mother’s breast milk production. This all happens in a completely natural way.
What causes growth spikes?
These stages in a baby’s life – as the name suggests – signal that a child is growing up. The baby grows, so he demands more food to give him more energy. Energy is needed for a child’s nervous, motor, and psychological development.
Thus, the mother’s body produces more milk to meet the needs of her baby.
Because growth spikes happen and how long do they last?
Every baby is different and everyone has their own special needs. Thus, the time interval between growth spurts may vary. However, growth spurts tend to occur, especially during the first months. In general, growth spurts occur:
Between 15-20 days
The newborn has more or less regular needs and a predictable sleep rhythm. However, at about three weeks of age, this rhythm experiences changes, as does the baby’s essence.
For two to three days, the baby may want to eat up to every half hour. Your baby may also get nervous if milk is taken from him.
Between 6-7 weeks
About 40 days after birth, the taste of the milk becomes salty. This creates a small-scale crisis for the baby: the baby becomes tense and irritated as he gets used to this change. This step usually takes about a week.
At three months
By this time, many mothers will stop breastfeeding their baby as the baby may begin to fight the breast. At this point, the baby begins to understand how to eat quickly. External stimuli may interfere with the baby’s eating time and the baby may stop eating.
At this point, the baby also realizes that the mother’s body produces milk whenever the baby just asks for it. This is due to many processes in the mother’s body. This phase may take three to four weeks.
At six months
After six months, growth spurts become less frequent. This is because the baby starts eating solid foods. The baby’s needs are easier to manage and the mother is better able to understand what the baby needs.
After one year
From the age of one, a child’s growth spurts appear so that the child wants to be more in their arms. This often happens, and the child seeks comfort and support from his mother.
How to act during growth spikes?
These steps can frustrate the mother and make her feel bad and hopeless. It is important for the mother to focus on the mental problems caused by these stages. Try to face your baby’s growth spells with patience, affection, and love.
Some expert tips include:
- Breastfeed your baby whenever he or she needs it. If your goal is full breastfeeding, avoid giving the bottle to the baby. If your baby eats from a feeding bottle, milk production may be reduced.
- Eat more food. This will give you enough energy and calories to produce enough milk for your baby.
- Remember that the growth spurt is only a temporary phase – it only lasts for a short time.
- If your child does not want to eat, do not force him to eat. And don’t let him cry hungry. If a child is sad, he may not want to eat.
Keep in mind that the natural growth process also involves stress and crying. When you better understand this process, you will be able to use the right tools and work in the best possible way.
A growth spurt means that a baby grows into a healthy child. Once you’re prepared for it, you won’t be so frustrated so easily during this development process.
