2 Year Growth Spurt?

Sammie

Hey Ladies,

I'm wondering if your kiddos went through a growth spurt right around the 2 year mark? Bug just turned 2 on Monday and this entire week she has been a bit 'off.' Not sick at all, no fever or any other symptoms. I know it isn't that. Her appetite isn't even that voracious (although she has a hearty appetite anyway), but she's definitely been snacking a bit more.

My main concern is that it seems she's having growing pains? I know there is no conclusive proof of growing pains or growth spurts, so I'm looking to see if other moms have gone through something similar. She doesn't wake up at night, but she is restless and whines/shouts in her sleep. I'm confident it is not night terrors. It happens during her naps and during her bedtime, but it seems to be a bit worse at night. I can hear her tossing/turning a lot on the monitor and she yelps like she's in pain. When I check on her she's still asleep, but sometimes she is holding her calf area or thigh which makes me think it is in her legs. I know there isn't much I can do, but I'm hoping it is just her muscles spasms from growing and will subside soon. I feel bad for my baby girl.

Since her sleep has been restless, she's not napping as well so she's just generally more whiny and cranky. She still NEEDS a nap. She's always been a sleeper. Since she hasn't napped all week, she's pretty tired and she even started to nod off while eating her snack today! I gave her a hot bath (hoping that would soothe her muscles) and just put her down for a late nap. I'm really hoping this passes soon.

Thanks for any insight, mamas!

>:D<

AnonUser24

That definitely sounds like a growth spurt... Have you ever tried giving her minerals? They do wonders because that's what their little growing bodies need :)

Sammie

I haven't, but I will. Do you give them to D? What should I give her?

I really hate giving out any Tylenol or Motrin, so I don't unless I KNOW that she needs it. Fever, teething, etc. I'd much rather take the natural route when possible.

Anonymous

yes, they do grow tremendously at that age, and LO probably might have growing pains......i have no suggestions, though. i'd have to look it up.

ImWendy

My ped believes in them, and I personally remember the agony of having them. The way my ped described them, the bones make microscopic... Almost breaks... So they can get longer. I think it's more pronounced at night because they aren't upright anymore, so their body weight isn't pressing down onto the bones. Like I said, I remember them, and it really was bad. I know you don't feel comfortable giving her pain relievers unless they're really needed, bit it sounds like she really does need it. Motrin, being an anti-inflammatory, is probably the better choice.

AnonUser24

Yes I give them to D when she seems to be going through a growth spurt. The kind I give her is from Nature's Sunshine, called essentials liquid minerals. Maybe check out your local naturopathic store? You can just put a tablespoon in some watered down juice, and they don't even taste it :)

Sammie

Thanks @Imwendy. I gave her some motrin last night and tonight. She seems to only need it at night and I think that is because of what you mentioned....how she is active all day and weighing on her bones and then once she settles down and stays off her feet, it hurts. I feel fine giving her meds when she's in pain and such. It sometimes just hard to tell with things like this! She's not verbal enough to tell me exactly what hurts and is bothering her yet. :( I'm glad that you shared that with me because I do not remember growing pains and stuff at all, but it just seemed to fit the bill here.

@Freedomlover, thanks!! I'm going to look for them downtown and if not, I'll order them offline. That's a great idea. :)

AnonUser24

Well thanks glad I could help :) my mom happening to be a naturopath for over 30 years helps when it comes to this stuff...

Sammie

Yes, that is helpful! I'm always thinking about asking you questions about supplements and such, so you can get some insight from your mom for me. ;)

ImWendy

I don't think all kids get them. You might not remember because you didn't have them. I hope she's resting better!

Sammie

@Imwendy, thanks! She seemed to do better last night. I didn't hear her tossing/turning and yelping. Poor baby! She's really tall for a kid her age (right above the 100 percentile), so I'm wondering if she maybe gets them a tad worse than most kids her age? Who knows! I'm sure the motrin has helped her be more comfortable though.

breezy

Bananas help with growing pains! My mom use to give me bananas... I don't know if its medically conclusive... I give my kids bananas .... Something about potassium and leg cramps...