Hi, my baby is not going through a WW now. However, he is fussy and irritable and wakes up several times at night (not his usual). If it's not a WW - what gives? Also, I thought WWs are the same as developmental milestones. Is my understanding correct?

Hi Gigi, thank you for your question! Your question was answered live on air with Dr Frans, who says: There might be other reasons for being irritable, such as illness, or going on a holiday. It does depend on the environment that the baby is in right now. Your baby may be having an off day, and it may not be due to their internal brain changes. We have tried our hardest to factor that into our research. It is important to realize that there are perhaps other factors as to why babies are being irritable. You can view a recording of Dr Frans' Ask The Expert Session here: https://www.facebook.com/parenttown/videos/1258235770909093/ :)

Apart from wonder weeks, there are also growth spurts. Growth spurts are periods of physical growth and weight gain. A baby may become fussier and clingy during both periods. Baby will likely cry more and needs to be cuddle more. Growth spurts typically happen at set intervals and the physical changes may be quite notable. Some major Growth spurts can generally be expected between one and three weeks, between six and eight weeks, at three months, at six months and at nine months. However, there are more growth spurts than this. Could it be that your baby is going through a growth spurt now?

How old is he now? Perhaps he is teething? Any excessive drooling or swollen gums? It could also be that he is adjusting to his sleeping cycles. Babies sleep will mature over time. So when they are still newborns, they need a lot of sleep and would usually wakes up when they need to feed. But over time, they will go through the different stages of sleep and very likely wake up after each cycle. It could be this that you are observing and he needs comforting to feel secure. Hang in there!!!