Do Baby Growth Spurts Affect the Development of Teeth?

Baby growth spurts are short periods, usually lasting two to seven days, when a baby quickly gains weight and height.

These occurrences aren't directly related to the development of a baby's teeth, but if your child has a growth spurt while teething at the same time, you're likely to have a fussy baby on your hands! Let's go over the common side effects of growth spurts to keep an eye out for, how to soothe a baby who's growing and teething, and how best to care for baby teeth once they erupt.

Side Effects of Growth Spurts

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, growth spurts mostly occur when a baby is two to three weeks old, around six weeks old, and again, approximately three months. During a growth spurt, it's normal for babies to want to nurse all the time. If you are breastfeeding, try to avoid feeding your baby any other liquids or foods. They suggest breastfeeding as the only food your baby needs for about the first six months.

Baby growth spurts also commonly occur at six and nine months of age, when you can start feeding your baby other liquids and foods. Besides an uptick in hunger, other common signs of a growth spurt in your baby include the following:

• Fussiness or irritability

• Sleeping a lot more than usual during the day

• Not being able to sleep at night.