As I’m sure you’re already aware, a growth spurt is when your baby grows very quickly in a short amount of time. This seems more obvious in the first half of their first year and will slow down a little after the age of one. Have you come up against any challenges so far?

Growth spurts can really happen at any time as there is no set template for this kind of thing but some parents find they happen around weeks 2 and 7 and months 3, 6, and 9. The World Health Organization released growth charts for infants and children ages 0 to 2 years of age in America if you want to track your baby’s length, weight, and head circumference in comparison with other babies the same age. Bear in mind it is also common for your baby to lose a little of their birth weight in that first week. According to Nemours, ‘A healthy newborn is expected to lose 7% to 10% of the birth weight but should regain that weight within the first 2 weeks or so after birth’.

I remember feeling some days like my two had practically grown overnight. Still do. I think I’ve blocked out the ‘cluster feed days’. Yikes! But they were only days and not weeks. At the time they seemed to last forever but looking back they were very short-lived. It was also satisfying to give them extra feeds when their bodies needed this.

Some of you might even be lucky and have one of those babies that sleep more during a growth spurt. Some of us are not so lucky and experience a spell of sleep regression. Wakeful nights, hungrier babies, and fussiness around feeds are on the mommy menu.

So while the baby is dining out at the all-inclusive hotel, you might be utterly exhausted. Here are my top suggestions to help you deal with baby growth spurts.

How to Cope with Baby Growth Spurts?

Be Self-Compassionate

It’s unlikely you will get much else done apart from tending to your baby’s needs during this difficult time. They will demand much from you so don’t demand much from yourself. Ask for help when and where you can and let go of anxiety surrounding looking or feeling vulnerable. Let your friends, family, and work colleagues know you won’t be on top form for a few days. Take the pressure off!

Eat Nourishing Foods

Make sure you are eating foods full of nutrients like good fats, protein, and vegetables. Remember to keep well hydrated too, especially if you are breastfeeding. According to the NHS, breastfeeding women may benefit from taking a vitamin D supplement. It’s also worth educating yourself on foods to avoid while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Remember It’s important to pay close attention to both your and your baby’s health so contact your doctor if you are worried about anything at all.

Relax

Easier said than done but staying calm and trusting in the process will help enormously. Lots of skin-to-skin contacts can be useful. According to Unicef, this calms both mother and baby by reducing cortisol. You can even enjoy the Moshi app as the meditations are great for both you and your baby. Try one of the body scans with some essential oils to reduce any tension.

Look forward to the weeks ahead, when hopefully things will feel more settled. And what about now? For now, embrace your wonderful self and everything you sacrifice. Forgive yourself for not being everything to everyone. Love yourself better, just as you are. You are just perfect.

Samantha Redgrave-Hogg