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During their first year, babies experience growth spurts that can change their attitude, sleep and appetite. A hectic period which is not easy for parents but which represents a stage in the child’s development At home, as at the nursery, Les Petits Chaperons Rouges explains how to best support your baby during this phase of development.
Growth peak in babies: what is it?
Also called “peak day”, the growth peak corresponds to a period of upheaval during which your little one will seek a little more comfort than usual. It often indicates the crossing of certain milestones in its development: the sitting position, teething, the first smiles… So many changes which can manifest themselves in the need to breastfeed more frequently.
During these times, your baby may request more feedings or bottles. This hunger generally disrupts sleep, since your baby wants to eat, at any time! Growth spurts can also make your little one a bit grumpy. But rest assured, this period is only temporary!
Frequent during the first year, growth peaks often appear after 3 weeks. We then speak of “3,6,9”, a benchmark for parents to know the periods of potential growth. So, the baby will also experience one around 6 weeks, and 9 weeks, then it will be counted in months: 3 months, 6 months, 9 months… Remember, however, that these indicators vary depending on the baby!
But then how long does a growth spurt last when it manifests itself? Between 24 and 48 hours, or even 5 days maximum for a return to normal. A step that requires parents to have their share of patience, energy and support. This will pass, there is no reason to worry. The important thing is to meet your little one’s needs and to know how to get help from loved ones or accept help from a co-parent or even ask for relief.
How to support your baby during a growth peak?
There are several ways to soothe your baby during his growth spurts:
- Keeping up with your little one and respond to his requests, by providing him with the feedings or bottles he needs.
- Promote contact with your baby. You can use means of carrying if you wish, such as a sling, sling or baby carrier. You can also do skin to skin.
- Take care of yourself. It’s easier said than done, but if you can, take advantage of your baby’s sleeping time to rest or do an activity that makes you feel good. And don’t hesitate to ask for help from your loved ones for a few hours, in order to recover a little.
- Plan a calm and soothing moment for you and your child, for example listening to soft music or white noise, sing songs, take a walk.
First steps at nursery: what welcome for your baby?
If your baby enjoys the family cocoon at home, what about his days at nursery? It is completely normal, as parents, to want the best possible conditions for your little one. This is why, at Les Petits Chaperons Rouges, the point of honor is to welcome and support each child in the respect for one’s individuality and one’s own rhythm.
The crèche group is also keen to build a relationship of trust with each family and to give parents a real place: time for discussions, information meetings, parent cafés, etc. Everything is done to establish a co-education approach between the professionals at Les Petits Chaperons Rouges and the parents in order to follow their child step by step. step by step.
Pour register your baby in one of the crèches of the early childhood expert network Les Petits Chaperons Rouges, do not hesitate to consult the offers and find the type of care suited to your needs.
