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Ever feel like your newborn was sleeping just fine, and then suddenly, it’s as if they've completely forgotten how to doze off? Growth spurts are to blame, and yes, they can totally throw off your baby’s sleep routine. But before you panic, let’s break down exactly what’s going on during these times and what you can do to survive them.
I’ve been through this more than once. With my eldest, the growth spurts hit like clockwork. She’d go from sweet and sleepy to ravenous and restless overnight. My youngest? She took the whole thing to a new level. There were days when I felt like all I did was nurse and attempt (unsuccessfully) to get her to nap. I get it—it’s tough. But the good news? It’s totally normal and temporary. Let’s take a look at what’s happening with your baby and how you can manage their sleep during these growth spurts.
What Are Growth Spurts?
Growth spurts are those infamous moments when your baby’s body is going through rapid development. They’ll need more food, more comfort, and often more attention—all of which can lead to some chaotic days (and nights).
These spurts usually hit at around 7-10 days old, 3 weeks, 6 weeks and again at 3 months, though every baby is different. You’ll know you’re in the middle of one when your baby suddenly starts acting hungrier, fussier, and needs more help falling asleep.
How Growth Spurts Mess with Sleep
When your baby is going through a growth spurt, it’s like their body has two priorities: grow and eat. Meaning sleep tends to take a backseat.
During a growth spurt, your baby might:
Wake up more often at night for extra feedings
Nap for shorter periods or skip naps entirely
Seem more restless or cranky in between sleep attempts
It’s as if all the progress you’ve made with their sleep routines goes right out the window—but don’t worry, it’s not permanent.
Why Hunger Takes Over
One of the biggest reasons your baby’s sleep is interrupted during a growth spurt? They’re just plain hungry. All that growing burns serious calories, and your baby will want to feed more often. If you’re breastfeeding, it might feel like you’re constantly nursing. If your baby is formula fed, you may find yourself increasing the amount in each bottle.
Cluster feeding (feeding frequently in short bursts) is super common during this time. While this can throw off your evening routine and lead to more night wakings, it’s your baby’s way of making sure they’re getting all the nutrients they need to fuel their growth.
Sleep Disruptions: What’s Normal?
As frustrating as it is, disrupted sleep during growth spurts is totally normal. Your baby might be waking more often because they’re hungry or uncomfortable. These frequent wake ups might seem endless, but remember—it’s temporary.
How to Survive Newborn Growth Spurts
Here’s what worked for me when I was dealing with these crazy growth spurts—and what can help you too:
1. Follow Your Baby’s Lead
If your baby is going through a growth spurt, try to go with their flow. Offer extra feedings if they seem hungry, but pay close attention to their cues to ensure it’s true hunger and not tiredness. Hunger cues can include rooting or sucking on their hands, while tired cues might look like yawning, rubbing their eyes, or having red eyebrows. Although both hunger and tiredness often come with extra fussiness, recognizing these cues will help you figure out whether they need a feeding or just some comfort to settle off to sleep. Remember, this phase is temporary, and your baby will return to their regular routine soon.
2. Embrace the Cluster Feeding
During growth spurts, especially in the evening, your baby may want to feed more frequently, and that’s completely normal. This is called cluster feeding, where your baby may nurse every 30 minutes to an hour. While it can be exhausting, sometimes the best thing you can do is embrace what is. Find a cozy chair, put on your favorite TV show, and accept that you might just need to be there feeding your baby for the next few hours. If you have other kids, lean on your support system for help or throw on a family movie and let go of the guilt. This phase is only temporary, and your baby is doing exactly what they need to grow. Trust that your body will adjust to meet their needs.
3. Keep the Sleep Environment Calm
During growth spurts, even with extra feeding and comfort, your baby can still be hard to settle. In these moments, consider taking them into their sleep space to create a calming environment. Dimming the lights and playing some white noise can help soothe them when they’re feeling restless. A peaceful, familiar space might make it easier for them to relax and fall asleep, even if they’re struggling due to the extra demands of a growth spurt.
4. Offer Extra Comfort
Babies thrive on physical closeness, especially during growth spurts when they may feel more unsettled or overwhelmed. Don’t hesitate to offer extra snuggles—this is a time when they really need that comfort and reassurance from you. Carrying them close during the day in a baby carrier can be a great way to keep them calm while still allowing you to move around and go about your day. The warmth and rhythm of your movements can provide the soothing sensations they crave. And remember, it’s not spoiling them—it’s nurturing their need for comfort as they navigate this temporary but crucial period of growth.
5. Stick to a Consistent Routine (As Much As Possible)
While growth spurts can throw a wrench in your baby’s sleep routine, try to stick to your regular schedule as much as possible. Keep up with your bedtime routine, try to honor wake windows throughout the day (offering a nap every 45-60 minutes) and continue to try put your baby down for 1-2 naps a day in their own sleep space, even if they seem a little fussier than usual.
Managing Your Expectations
Let’s be honest—growth spurts are tough. Your baby’s sleep is all over the place, and it can feel like you’ll never get a good night’s rest again. But this phase is temporary. Be patient with yourself, and know that it’s okay if things aren’t perfect for a few days.
Hang in There
Growth spurts can feel overwhelming, but understanding what’s going on with your baby’s development can make it a little easier to manage. Take it day by day, and remember that these phases are all part of your baby’s incredible growth journey.
Struggling with newborn sleep? Book a free call TODAY with EverGlow Sleep to get tailored tips and support for your baby’s sleep needs. We’re here to help you and your baby get the rest you deserve.
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