Growth Spurts
Your baby is growing and growing fast. The average baby weighs approximately 7 ½ pounds at birth when born at 40 weeks. Obviously, since most babies are not born at 40 weeks, babies are born at various different sizes. Non-preemie babies can be anywhere from five pounds on the low side to 11 pounds on the high side when they are born. The good thing about babies is that no matter what size they are when they are born — they will all grow, and during the first year will go through several growth spurts.
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.
Growth spurts generally only last 2-3 days, but can sometimes last as long as a week. During a growth spurt it is important to follow your baby’s lead. When he seems hungry, feed him. While still young be prepared to nurse more or offer more bottle of formula. If breastfeeding have a bottle of breast milk prepared and waiting to top your baby off if he still seems hungry after a nursing session is complete.
As a nursing mom you may also feel more hunger or thirst while your baby is going through a growth spurt. As your baby eats extra calories from you, it is important for you to replenish yourself and keep your energy up. If you are feeling extra hungry or thirsty, eat and drink a little more, but be sure to keep it healthy.
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October 28th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
If you are breastfeeding, it is important to remember to NOT top your baby off with a bottle of breast milk. Let your baby continue to nurse. This is also baby’s way of sending signals to your body to make more milk and to change the composition of the milk to meet his/her changing needs. By topping off with a bottle and not letting your baby nurse, you could be undermining your hard-earned milk supply!!
June 14th, 2011 at 2:24 am
Our twin boys are 3 weeks old and are constantly hungry right now.Thanks for the info.We were afraid they might not be getting enough breast milk…which they aren’t.But not for the reasons we were thinking. This to shall pass.
June 2nd, 2011 at 5:48 pm
this is good but only for mothers that breast feed their babies i had a problem my milk dried up so had to formula feed my baby but my baby tried solid food for the first time today so this wasnt very helpful for babies who are starting solid food sadly