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Author:
Khushboo Kirale
- >> Post Created: August 25, 2020
- >> Last Updated: April 25, 2024
Cluster Feeding - Table of Contents
As a new mother there are a lot of changes happening in your body. But do not forget your newborn is also going through a lot of changes. This adaptation is not easy for you or your child as well.
There could be times when your baby is demanding continuous short feeds leaving you with no time to rest. So instead of being irritated, understand the reason behind it. I have gone through this phase and I know all my friends have too. So I guess experiencing newborn cluster feeding is a part of motherhood.
With this article we aim to help you understand – What is Cluster feeding?, factors contributing to newborn cluster feeding, When does cluster feeding start?, cluster feeding ages and all you need to know about cluster feeding newborns and how you can sail through it. That’s not all, we will help you understand the most burning question in the mind of a mother going through newborn cluster feeding phase – ‘How long does cluster feeding last?’
For dealing with cluster feeding newborns, you can refer to 20 Tips to deal with cluster feeding newborns, where we have elaborated on tips on how you can manage cluster feeding newborns.
What is cluster feeding?
Let me first elaborate on what is cluster feeding.
Have you noticed any changes in your baby’s feeding behavior? Are they having more frequent short feeds in a course of a few hours? If yes, then this is a classic case of cluster feeding.
In cluster feeding, you will observe that your baby suddenly has urges for a feed. These are generally short feeds that last over a couple of hours. This is typical of “Cluster Feeding” that most newborns go through. IT’S NORMAL.
This kind of behavior is natural and is generally observed in the first few weeks of breastfeeding newborns and is more common in the late afternoon or early evening, but can happen at any time of the day.
However, sometimes even older infants show cluster feeding signs and it may last for a few days in a row. This may happen due to growth spurts or teething. This is further explained in the cluster feeding ages below. Further you can see that growth spurts or developmental leaps are a major factors contributing to cluster feeding.
It doesn’t essentially mean there’s anything wrong with your baby or your milk supply.
It has been noticed that some babies prefer to have their milk and fill up in just a few hours and then take longer naps.
There is no particular reason why some babies cluster feed.
Some experts believe it might boost the mother’s milk supply. They believe your baby’s need for more milk and feeding more often will push your body to produce more. It’s a natural process – natural Let-down reflex (Milk Ejection Reflex)
When does cluster feeding start?
Hope you understand What is Cluster Feeding. Now you may wonder as to exactly When does cluster feeding start?
Here’s comes the tough answer. As per some experts, cluster feeding can start as early as day 2 after the baby is born. This is taxing for you as you are in recovering mode after delivery and getting used to breastfeeding altogether. Consider cluster feeding in the initial days a boon as it actually helps increase milk supply.
Generally cluster feeding would start around 2-3 weeks and then reoccur around 5-6 weeks. These are the initial phases of growth spurts observed in an infant. You will understand this in detail under cluster feeding ages.
How does cluster feeding make you feel?
Many women experience feeling trapped, exhausted, frustrated, and physically and emotionally drained while baby’s cluster feed.
Sometimes you may feel like a failure or that you cannot breastfeed anymore. You may feel guilty for being unable to breastfeed because you see your baby taking a longer time to settle down. You might also think your breasts feel empty.
But there is always milk in your breasts. They are never completely empty.
How to identify newborn cluster feeding?/
Signs of newborn cluster feeding
Newborns don’t usually follow a predictable eating or sleeping schedule. So it’s difficult to identify cluster feeding newborns. However, you can keep an eye out for the following signs:
- Baby has short rests/sleep cycles in between feeds
- Baby shows usual hunger signs but won’t stop crying even after the feed
- Baby wants to eat more frequently than usually observed, but for short sessions
- Baby feeds for few minutes and then pulls off and on, on the breasts
- Content when eating but is fussy otherwise
- Baby gets fussy and cries very frequently before and after the feed
- Baby wants to eat constantly, but they are latched on for shorter sessions each time
Cluster feeding Ages
Cluster feeding is generally observed in children when they are going through growth spurts. Your child is ought to go through many growth spurts during their first year. Here will help you understand the various cluster feeding ages.
These growth spurts in children are generally observed around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months old and cluster feeding ages coincide with this same period as well. However do understand that every baby goes through growth spurts at different time frames and the period mentioned above is not stone cast.
As mentioned in the article before, growth spurts can cause your child to nurse for a longer time frame and at short intervals. But don’t worry these growth spurts usually only last for a few days.
Make sure you take care of yourself during newborn cluster feeding phase. You too could feel more hungry and thirsty during your newborns cluster feeding phase till the time you are breast feeding, then be prepared to make more formula/ baby foods to satisfy your growing baby.
Yes you read right – Cluster feeding formula is also a phase which your child will go through. Keep calm and ask for help. Generally cluster feeding formula milk happens when you have shifted over to feeding formula milk or even doing combination feeds. Be prepared, there could be wastages(depending upon the formula guidelines of usage) which can arise out of short multiple feeds that happen over short span of time.
How long does cluster feeding last?
The most burning question on any mothers mind who is going through the cluster feeding phase is ‘How long does cluster feeding last?’
Well to answer the question – cluster feeding ages vary for every child. Cluster feeding happens in bursts especially during growth spurts . Further as you already know it does not last for more than a few days.
In the initial period just after the baby is born – especially between 2-3 weeks when you and your child are both trying to find your respective rhythms and further 5 – 6 weeks while your child is going through his/ her growth spurt. These times may cause your child to cluster feed more often. This is the period when your child will cluster feed the most.
It has been observed that for most infants cluster feeding does not last beyond 6 months of age. However it has also been observed that an infant may cluster feed to relax especially when they are feeling unwell and when teething.
As mentioned earlier section as well, growth spurts of child and cluster feeding goes hand in hand.
So to answer the question – How long does cluster feeding last? – It lasts till about your infant is around 6 – 7 months old with with specifically intense periods of cluster feeding between 2-6 weeks, 3 months and 6 – 7 months.
Though do note that cluster feeding is just not related with growth spurts it is also related to anxiety and illness in children. So expect your child to cluster feed when he/ she needs comfort especially when he/she is sick.
Benefits of cluster feeding
Newborn cluster feeding is not all bad. While my daughter was going through her cluster feeding phase, I researched a lot about cluster feeding and found that it can be beneficial for the baby’s development process. My first-hand experience also was very positive with a few minor hiccups like soreness of breasts.
There are some distinct benefits drawn from cluster feeding:
- Baby may sleep longer after cluster feeding
- It will help you increase your milk supply
- It helps a baby to emotionally and neurologically regulate itself
- The frequent feeds help increase the skin-to-skin time with the baby, which is beneficial for both mom and baby
Risks/ Problems associated with cluster feeding newborns
Generally there are adverse affects on the mothers emotional and physical state. These are some of the most common problems that arise of cluster feeding newborns:
- It can increase nipple soreness
- It’s unpredictable
- It can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally
- It often takes time away from other family or household needs in the evening
Read this next
Managing cluster feeding newborns
While cluster feeding newborns, bear in mind that for a brief period, it is going to be really be taxing for the entire family, especially Moms – You.
To understand how to manage newborn cluster feeding we have worked out a detailed article for you to refer to, do check – ‘20 Secrets to Help you Manage Newborn Cluster Feeding‘.
Just in brief, listing below a few tips for you and your family from our experience—Page.
- Change your position while feeding so you don’t get sore
- Set up a nursing area in front of the TV, so you can keep yourself entertained. You could also listen to audiobooks, podcasts, etc. Keep your gadget charger within reach
- Have a large bottle water and some snacks by your side to stay hydrated and nourished
- Have some “Me Time” and call a friend while you are cluster feeding. Use hands free so that you can do both—take care of the baby’s need and catch up on gossip
- If you have an older kid, then breastfeed in a place where you could interact with the elder sibling. Keep worksheets, toys, paints, etc. that you and your child can enjoy together
- Try to train yourself and the baby to breast feed when the baby is in a sling or carrier. This way, you will be able to move around and not get confined to a place
- Plan in advance. If you have noticed your baby usually tends to cluster feed around 6 PM then you can plan your schedule accordingly, including going to the washroom
- In between cluster feeds, hand over the baby to your partner, caretaker, or anyone around who can help you get some relief. This way baby gets time with others as well
- Open up and discuss about cluster feeding with your partner and plan your chores accordingly. If you are going to be busier in the evenings then let them handle evening chores
- Don’t feel shy to ask for help. Turn to your friends and family for support in cooking, cleaning, etc. Maybe you could look at hiring a housekeeper for some time during postpartum to get things organized
Other reasons for night-time fussiness in kids
There could be times when your baby would be irritable or fussy for other reasons especially in the evenings. The reasons may include:
- Being overtired or overstimulated
- Missing parents who were at work or away
- Needing to be burped if they’ve been eating a lot
- Colic or gas formation also causes uneasiness
- Teething
When to seek help?
I have always been a strong believer in having constant and regular follow ups with my babies’ pediatrician just to keep a check on their growth and development. The follow ups are generally higher in the initial period when tracking weight gain is crucial.
Your doctor will let you know if he feels your baby seems to not receive enough milk or if your baby is lagging behind in growth.
More frequent feedings, fussiness, and breasts not feeling full does not necessarily mean your baby is not getting enough milk.
Always call your pediatrician if your baby seems very sick, lethargic, or has trouble breathing.
Speak to your pediatrician at the earliest if you notice any of the following signs:
- Baby is not gaining weight
- Baby is not producing wet and dirty nappies
- Baby is not settling even after they have finished feeding
Some FAQs related to cluster feeding newborn
Why do babies cluster feed?
Answer: There are a lot of unproven theories revolving around why babies cluster feed and till date none have been able to understand the process completely.
Some researchers say that cluster feeding could be a way for babies to regulate their growing nervous systems. Some other say that it could be a process for the babies to store food for the night.
Breastfeeding is basically a supply and demand system. When babies want milk, they should be fed immediately rather than scheduling their feeds or forcing to space the feedings. By not fulfilling the hunger demands of the baby can affect the supply and demand system.
So rather than having theories about why babies cluster feed, we should just concentrate on feeding them when they want milk. This helps in maintaining the milk supply.
Don’t worry about people who stress over getting your baby on a feeding schedule. Even though cluster feeding may get exhausting, but it is a normal part of the development of many babies.
What is a normal feeding schedule for a baby?
Answer: All infants are unique. What’s true for my baby may or may not hold true for yours. However, as per CDC—a baby who is not cluster feeding, the feed time ranges between 10–30 minutes.
Based on experts’ opinions it is advised to feed a newborn anything between 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. However, your baby may show hunger signs and need to eat more frequently.
Breastfeeding regularly will help your baby:
- avoid jaundice
- gain weight healthily
- develop a strong bond with you
Is cluster feeding newborn a sign of low milk supply?
Answer: More frequent eating shouldn’t cause you to worry about your milk supply. A doctor will be able to tell if your baby is not getting enough milk based on their weight gain.
Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_development_stages
This is a trick we used personally. Check the number of diapers your baby has used to help you know if they are getting enough milk. Below are the average number of wet diapers per day, based on baby’s age:
Age | Average wet diapers per day |
Newborn | 1 to 2 |
4 to 5 days old | 6 to 8 |
1 to 2 months | 4 to 6 |
If you’re ever concerned about your baby’s eating habits, ask your pediatrician and meet a lactation consultant. Babies that struggle to gain weight or appear frustrated while they feed may not be getting enough milk.
How to identify: cluster feeding vs. colic?
Answer: 10–40% of infants across the world. If your baby is fussier than usual, you might wonder if they have colic.
Ref: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26447441/
Just like infant cluster feeding, colic can come suddenly and it often occurs in the evening.
A baby with colic cannot be soothed even with nursing or with formula, as opposed to cluster feeding, where infants soothe down during the nursing sessions.
The baby could have colic if you notice at least three hours of crying for at least three days a week, and at least three weeks in a row.
There is actually no difference in colic based on a baby’s gender nor between breastfed and formula-fed babies.
Colic symptoms include:
- crying that sounds more like screaming
- face and body appearing tense or contorted
- crying at a predictable time each day, often in the evenings
- crying that peaks at six weeks and usually passes by the time babies are 3 months old
Should you supplement cluster feeding with formula?
Answer: As mentioned earlier in this post, cluster feeding isn’t a sign that you are producing less breast milk. So there is no need to supplement the baby with formula.
However, if you are nursing and need a break, you or someone else can offer a bottle of breast milk instead.
You will still need to pump at this time in order to keep up your milk supply at par with the baby’s feeding.
How to soothe a fussy baby?
Answer: There are many tricks other than feeding that can help soothe a fussy baby. Some babies are soothed by the same method every time.
For other babies, what worked yesterday, or even earlier in the same day, may no longer work.
Feel free to experiment with these or other ideas:
- Wrap baby in a swaddle to help recreate the experiences from the womb.
- Offer a pacifier.
- Dim the lights and reduce other stimuli, such as loud noises.
- Use white noise from a white noise machine, cell phone app, a fan, gently running water, or even a vacuum. You can also create your own white noise by holding your baby upright on your chest and humming in low tones.
- Hold them in different positions. They may be fussy because they’re uncomfortable or want a change of scenery.
- Sing peaceful songs, recite poems, or speak to the baby in a soft and gentle voice.
- Move around. Whether it’s rocking, swaying, or walking, sometimes motion can help soothe your little one. Even going for a walk outside can help.
- Hold your baby or wrap them in a sling or baby carrier to help them feel close and secure.
- Reduce stimulation by taking your little one into a quiet and dark room or try swaddling them.
- Massaging the baby can also help soothe them down.
Is my baby’s evening fussiness related to cluster feeding?
Answer: You know the drill. Your baby is happy and content all day, and then dinner-time hits and suddenly they are ornery, fussy, and seemingly inconsolable.
This type of fussiness often goes hand-in-hand with cluster feeding. So, what gives? While it is not totally clear what causes this common evening/night-time ritual, researchers have some ideas:
Baby is overtired. It’s hard being little! If your baby isn’t getting plenty of nap time during the day, it’s not unusual for them to get tired toward the end of the day and start to get fussy. And, unlike adults, babies aren’t able to calm down and just go to sleep—they rely on you to comfort them, snuggle them, nurse them, and help them relax so they can drift off to sleep.
Baby is overstimulated. Many doctors believe evening fussiness is caused by your baby’s immature nervous system. Basically what that means is that your little one isn’t used to all of the stresses of stimuli of everyday life, so they react to this overload by crying. Your best bet is to keep your baby close to you (or your partner!) by snuggling and carrying them, nurse them when they want to nurse, and reduce stimuli like bright lights, loud sounds, and busy or cluttered rooms.
The good news is, many babies outgrow this fussy stage by the time they 3–4 months old. In the meantime, be patient and know that every ounce of milk and love your little one gets is precious.
Key Takeaway
Hope with this article we have helped you understand in detail as to ‘What is Cluster Feeding?‘, ‘When does cluster feeding start?‘, ‘How long does cluster feeding last?‘, Cluster feeding ages and so on…
As mentioned in the article cluster feeding can happen anytime during the day, but is most common in late afternoons and evenings.
Further cluster feeding ages as mentioned above in the article generally coincide with your child’s growth spurt or development leap. Since the growth spurts are spread across the year, be prepared for the cluster feeding formula phase as well, for the time you have shifted your child to formula or other baby foods.
Cluster feeding newborns can be really taxing for the mothers and the entire family. Hope our tips to manage newborn cluster feeding help you plan and ease out your newborns cluster feeding phase.
Have also elaborated on the various signs you need to look out for and further when you need to call up your doctor in case your baby is not putting on weight.
Do feel to write to us with any queries regarding What is Cluster Feeding, or for that matter anything related to newborn cluster feeding. We will definitely try and help you resolve your queries.
Happy Feeding!
Khushboo Kirale
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You made some decent points there. I did a search on the topic and found most persons will consent with your website.
Hi Brigitte, Thanks. I am glad you liked the post.
There is obviously a lot more than we know and understand breast feeding. Being mother for the first time such articles helped me a lot.
I suppose you made various good points in features also.