Growth Spurts in Children

From birth, babies experience periods of growth and development that are more intense than usual at specific weeks. These periods of intense growth and development are called growth spurts. They go through approximately 10 growth spurts within the first 2 years. Since both physical and cognitive developments occur during spurts, it is more accurate to describe them as growth and development spurts.

What Are the Symptoms of Growth Spurts?

Common symptoms seen during growth spurts include;

• Restlessness,
• Loss of appetite,
• Crying for no reason,
• Difficulty falling asleep,
• Frequent waking during sleep,
• Increased attachment to parents,
• Tendency towards nursing or refusal of the breast,
• Rejecting commands and rules,
• Resistance to restrictions,
• Strong desire for self-dressing, eating, and meeting needs independently,

How Long Do Growth Spurts Last?

• The duration and intensity of growth spurts vary from baby to baby but generally last about 2-3 days. This period can extend up to 1-2 weeks.
• The week of the growth spurt is calculated based on the chronological age for babies born at term, while for preterm babies, it is calculated based on corrected age. That means the baby's age completes 40 weeks.

When Do Growth Spurt Weeks Occur?

1. Sensitive Periods - 5th Week
2. Formations Period - 8th Week
3. Soft Transitions Period - 12th Week
4. Activities/Events Period - 19th Week
5. Relations Period - 26th Week
6. Categories Period - 37th Week
7. Chaining Events Period - 46th Week
8. Programs Period - 55th Week
9. Principles Period - 64th Week
10. Systems Period - 75th Week

How to Approach Your Baby During Growth Spurts?

Your baby's sleep routine and nutrition may be disrupted during growth spurt periods. You should follow the changes in your baby during growth spurt weeks without worrying. Knowing that your baby's complaints during these weeks are related to physical and cognitive development and that this is a positive situation for your baby, you should approach your baby. Knowing which weeks growth spurts occur and how long they can last will prepare you for these periods. This way, you will know that the changes in these weeks are due to growth spurts and you will not worry about any other health problems. Also, knowing what skills your baby can gain during growth spurt weeks and experiencing the changes will benefit you and your baby in terms of monitoring their development.