Definition
Growth spurts in newborns are sudden changes in the whole body or parts of the body. This refers to the change in body size, but also to mental development. In this text we want to describe the process of growing. The growth spurts occur in most children at about the same time and depend on the calculated date of birth. The growth spurts are numbered and are attributed to specific mental and physical developmental steps.
Signs of a growth spurt
Signs of a growth spurt may be that the baby is more likely to come forward because he or she is hungry. The reason for this is that more calories are needed during this phase. During these phases it may feel as if the baby is never full and the stomach is never full.
Growth spurts are most noticeable at night. This is when the growth hormones are at their highest concentration. Parents notice this mainly because children who used to sleep through 5 or 6 hours now fall out of this rhythm and make themselves known by screaming and crying attacks.
They want to be fed more often. In addition, some children no longer want to sleep even though they are tired, or have difficulty drinking even though they are hungry. Children in a growth spurt are often more strenuous during this time than before and are confused in some way about themselves and the situation they have to cope with.
Associated symptoms
During a growth spurt, many babies and children change their behavior. If they were previously quiet and slept a lot, they are now more often frightened by noises, situations or even themselves. This fright and the dissatisfaction become noticeable through weeping, increased need for closeness and also more intensive crying.
Growth pains
The origin of growth pain is not clearly understood. The current state of affairs is that the different growth rates of bones, periosteum and other structures cause imbalances in the complex system of these structures. These become noticeable by the fact that the children experience pain as a result.
This pain often occurs at night and is no longer present the next morning. The pain can also last for several hours, but usually subsides before then. They usually come almost in waves.
If pain occurs during a growth spurt, then it helps above all if the child receives attention and care. Whether it is being held in the arm, cuddled or simply talked to. It also helps many children when they are bathed.
The warmth of the bath water helps them to relax and calm down a little. They are also distracted by the bath. In general, one cannot say whether rather warmth or coolness helps. However, this can be tried out – but it is difficult to judge with smaller children. If the child cannot be calmed down, breastfeeding or the bottle can be given.
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