Cluster Feeding in Newborns: Why Babies Nurse Constantly and How to Make It Easier
Just when you thought you had your baby’s feeding schedule figured out, they are suddenly nursing CONSTANTLY (or at least it feels like that). Or they seem hungry, you make a bottle, and suddenly they are too fussy to take it. And why, all of a sudden, are they inconsolable in the evening? Your baby may be cluster feeding, and while it is a totally normal occurrence for newborns, it can be confusing and frustrating for new parents to manage.
What is Cluster Feeding?
Cluster feeding is a normal infant behavior where babies feed frequently in short bursts, typically in the evening. During cluster feeding, babies cycle from feeding, resting, and fussing, sometimes every hour (or less!). Cluster feeding is common and can occur in both breastfed and bottlefed babies.
Babies often cluster feed at the same time every day, usually in the evening between about 5:00 and 10:00 pm (Many parents and newborn caregivers even call this time “the witching hour“). Typically, cluster feeding happens during or just before growth spurts, which occur when babies are about 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months old. The baby’s feeding behavior usually returns to normal (whatever that looks like for them) after 2-3 days.
In addition to eating more frequently, cluster feeding babies will typically be fussier than usual – squirming, crying, and acting restless. They may also continue showing signs of hunger (mouthing, rooting, and nuzzling) even after a full feed. Babies may also sleep longer than is typical after cluster feeding – maybe even all night!
Why do babies cluster feed?
Cluster feeding, while exhausting for parents, is actually a completely normal and purposeful behavior driven by a few key needs:
To stimulate milk supply
Before a growth spurt, the baby puts in their order for more milk! By stimulating the breasts and removing the milk frequently, the nursing parent’s body gets the message to increase its milk supply. (If you pump milk and notice this behavior, you may want to add an extra pumping session to keep up with demand.)
Growth spurts
Babies need extra calories during growth spurts. Smaller, more frequent feedings ensure that the baby gets enough food without overloading their tummies.
Soothing and comfort
By the end of the day, many babies are tired and overstimulated and may seek comfort and closeness to help regulate their systems.
Distraction
Older babies may get easily distracted by their surroundings, leading them to “snack” across several feedings. These babies may need to “top off” again before bed.
Why is cluster feeding hard on parents?
Cluster feeding can be difficult for parents for many reasons. When a baby cycles between feeding, resting, and fussing several times in a short window, there may be no time for the parent to take a break to rest, care for their own needs, or take care of household responsibilities. More frequent nursing may also be irritating to sensitive nipples. Fussy babies may require hours of constant bouncing, rocking, or swinging, further taxing an already exhausted caregiver.
Cluster feeding can also be emotionally draining. A sudden change in your baby’s behavior can be very discouraging, and many parents feel like they must be doing something wrong if their baby seems so hungry and upset. This is especially difficult if well-meaning friends and family are giving unsolicited advice – a new parent can only hear “That baby looks hungry” or “You’re feeding the baby AGAIN?!” so many times. And in the age of Dr. Google, parents may begin to think that something is seriously wrong!
If you feel like you’re constantly nursing and don’t have time to eat, shower, or take care of yourself, Well Supported Family can help! Our team of Newborn Care Specialists and postpartum doulas can come to you and be that extra pair of hands so everyone feels better supported and better rested throughout this transition to early parenthood. Book a call today and find out how.
Does cluster feeding mean my milk supply is too low?
No! Frequent feeding does not indicate a low milk supply. Milk flow can be slower in the evenings, which can be frustrating to some babies and increase fussiness. If the baby is gaining weight and producing wet diapers (and your pediatrician is not concerned about their nutritional needs), there is no need to worry about your supply.
You may feel like you need to supplement feedings with formula because the baby is eating so much. According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, supplementation is not recommended for a breastfeeding baby even if they are “fussy at night or constantly feeding for several hours.”
Is the Fussy Behavior Cluster Feeding vs Colic?
Colic is a term that is used to describe how frequently and for how long an infant cries, but not necessarily the reason for their crying. Colic is defined as frequent, intense crying in a healthy infant that lasts for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for at least three weeks, and is often inconsolable. The underlying reasons for colic range from digestive issues like gas and acid reflux to an inability to regulate sensory input. Both cluster feeding and colic can be extremely draining for new parents, so it is essential to find ways to manage everyone’s needs.
7 Tips to manage cluster feeding
Adjust expectations
One of the hardest parts of cluster feeding is that it’s DIFFERENT from what you may be used to. For a parent with an “easy” baby, suddenly having a ravenous and inconsolable velcro baby can feel unendurable. If you can put aside what you thought your evenings were going to be like for a few days, managing your baby’s increased needs may feel more manageable.
Follow the baby’s lead
Cluster feeding is a natural behavior that accomplishes several things for a baby. If you are able, follow your baby’s cues and feed them when they show you they need it. Cluster feeding is temporary, and once baby’s body is back to “normal,” hopefully your routine will be too.
Prepare your space
Once you recognize that cluster feeding may be on the schedule for a few days, make sure your feeding area is well-stocked with snacks, water, and your favorite feeding-time entertainment. (Don’t forget a phone charger!)
Stay comfortable
Review the basics of comfortable bottlefeeding and breastfeeding positions, as well as what to look for in a proper latch. If you’re going to be feeding on and off all evening, you might as well be comfortable.
Rest when possible
This is not the time to get things done while the baby sleeps. If you can, take advantage of your baby’s daytime naps to rest yourself.
Change up your soothing routine
Sometimes when babies go through a growth spurt or major developmental jump, what worked to soothe and calm them yesterday is useless today. Review newborn soothing techniques and maybe try something new.
Ask for help
Meal Trains and mom friends aren’t just for the baby-moon. It is ALWAYS ok to call a friend or family member and ask for help with dinner, household tasks, or just an adult conversation. And if your friend also breastfed their baby, they may have dealt with cluster feeding too!
Hire Professional Help
If constant nursing has you skipping meals, self-care, and sleep, it’s time to call in reinforcements. In-home care from a Newborn Care Specialist or postpartum doula can give parents a break from burping, diaper changes, and soothing between feeds, allowing them to rest even during extended cluster feeding sessions. (Book a call with Well Supported Family to find out how.)
Cluster feeding is a completely normal, temporary phase, essential for your baby’s rapid growth. Many parents find these phases difficult, so if you are in the middle of it, please know that you are not the only one. Your baby is telling you what they need, so follow their cues. Just don’t forget to follow your OWN cues too – if you need a break, it’s ok to ask for it.
FAQs for Cluster Feeding
How long does cluster feeding usually last?
Cluster feeding sessions typically last between a few hours to a full day, and the phase itself often lasts for a few days to a week.
Is cluster feeding a sign of low milk supply?
No, cluster feeding is a normal baby behavior and is generally not a sign of low milk supply; rather, it often helps increase your supply.
Can formula-fed babies cluster feed too?
Yes, formula-fed babies can also exhibit cluster feeding behavior, as the need to be close and suckle is a developmental norm, not strictly a nutritional one.
Does cluster feeding mean my baby isn’t getting enough milk?
Cluster feeding usually means your baby is attempting to boost your milk production, is going through a growth spurt, or simply needs extra comfort, and does not automatically mean they are not getting enough milk.
How can I tell the difference between cluster feeding and fussiness?
Cluster feeding involves frequent, short periods of active nursing interspersed with short breaks, while fussiness may include extended periods of crying that cannot be resolved by offering the breast.
Can I pump during cluster feeding?
While pumping during a cluster feeding session is not generally recommended as it may frustrate the baby, you can pump immediately after a session to signal your body to produce more milk for the next day.
What time of day does cluster feeding usually happen?
Cluster feeding most commonly occurs in the late afternoon and evening hours.
Should I switch sides when my baby cluster feeds?
Yes, switching sides frequently (when your baby slows down or pulls off) can help maximize the baby’s intake of milk and stimulate both breasts.
How do I soothe a baby during cluster feeding?
The primary way to soothe a baby during cluster feeding is to offer unlimited access to the breast, supplemented by comfort measures like skin-to-skin contact, gentle rocking, or movement.
When should I call a doctor or lactation consultant?
Call a doctor or lactation consultant if your baby shows signs of dehydration (e.g., too few wet diapers), if nursing is persistently painful for the lactating parent, or if the baby is showing signs of pain during or after feeds.
It can be so confusing and disheartening for a new parent when they can’t figure out what their baby needs. Our Newborn Care Specialists are trained to support families through difficult phases, providing expert care, reassurance, and – best of all – a break for the parent. Book a call today to find out more.
Helpful tips from your team at Well Supported Family.
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