Growth Spurt? What is it???

Wondering why baby get fussier, hungrier and suddenly hibernate all of sudden?

Is the baby having colic?---> but the ointment have been applied, still... the baby cry  out loud. Check the diapers----> NOT WET.... She fed like every hour already... Hurm, then it must be what the expert said, growth spurt symptom. And the good news is, it is TOTALLY NORMAL! YEAH! Nothing's to be worried about the baby, except the crying and nagging might be a little frustrating for some mommas, especially busy mommas. (Mommas also need a good rest, so hubbies, care to lend a hand?)

What is growth spurt?

"A child grows more rapidly during his first 12 months than in any other period of his life," says Gregory Plemmons, M.D., medical director of the pediatric primary-care practice at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, in Nashville. "What's interesting is that these increases in weight and height aren't slow and steady—they appear to happen in fits and starts." (http://www.parents.com/baby/development/problems/growing-baby/)

Growth spurts are normal in both breastfed and bottle fed babies. It may however be a little more noticeable in babies who are breastfed because it would be felt more by mom. She would have to nurse more frequently in order to build up her milk supply to satisfy her baby.

There is no set time for a growth spurt to appear, however there is a generality. A baby’s body is not a clock but they will generally go though a growth spurt between 7-10 days old, around three weeks, six weeks, three months, four months, six months and nine months. Most of the weight they gain during the first two years will be gained during this time and they will also grow in inches.

Growth spurts are less frequent after the first year but they still occur. Your baby will probably gain more in inches than pounds after their first birthday. Through out the toddler years and into adolescence however you will notice growth spurts.(http://www.babiesonline.com/articles/baby/growthspurts.asp)

How can we tell if the baby having growth spurt?

The baby becomes fussier then ever.

The most obvious reason for this moodiness? Lack of sleep. "If he's awake more often during the night in order to feed, he's not getting the longer periods of rest he needs—which will put even the calmest baby on edge," Dr. Plemmons explains.(http://www.parents.com/baby/development/problems/growing-baby/)

The baby get hungrier. She will likely want to stick to momma's boob (and it feel like forever). For nursing mommas, it can be a bit tough. Ask your partner or friends or family to do house chores. Mommas also need to drink a lot of water and eat a lot.

She suddenly hibernates. After several days of nonstop eating, your baby may sleep more soundly than usual. "That's when we think growth occurs," Dr. Lampl says. Research shows that nearly 80 percent of growth hormone is secreted during slumber. "Your baby needs sleep to enable her body to produce those hormones," says Joan DiMartino-Nardi, M.D., a pediatric endocrinologist at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center, in the Bronx. Never force a baby to stay awake or adhere to her normal sleep schedule—you'll only make her cranky. Plus, she needs all the energy she can muster to keep growing.(http://www.parents.com/baby/development/problems/growing-baby/)

Before blaming growth spurt to your baby's nag and fussiness, it is best to make sure you satisfied all her needs and routine. Don't forget. It is a baby's job to cry. Sometimes they just need some attention---to be cuddled. So, pick up your baby and take her for a little walk.