Newborns grow quite rapidly in the first few months after their birth. Babies may grow faster or slower than the average developmental milestones, but this is perfectly normal. During times of rapid growth, babies may feed more frequently or consume more per feeding. But the development of preterm babies will, more likely, be slower than full-term infants.

According to mayoclinic.org, “Keep in mind that many healthy babies go through brief periods when they stop gaining weight or even lose a little weight. A doctor is likely to be concerned only if a baby doesn't gain weight from one well-baby exam to the next. Your baby's position on the curve in a growth chart isn't as important as the trend of the curve overall.”

Other than a change in eating habits, there are other signs that can also indicate a growth spurt in infants. Some of these are: increased fussiness, crankiness, constant crying, changes in sleep patterns and weight gain. Doctors use different growth charts for boys and girls, because infants of both genders grow at different rates. Kidshealth.org says, “Whether your baby is large, small, or medium-sized, as long as this growth pattern stays consistent over time, chances are everything is fine.”

But if the growth spurt symptoms like fussiness last more than a few days, it is important to consult with the paediatrician. This will help with the timely diagnosis of any health risks.

To learn more about how babies grow, you can read the articles in this ClipBook.