Can babies cluster feed on formula

Cluster Feeding Your Newborn: Helpful Tips

If you’re breastfeeding, you might find that your little one sometimes keeps you busier than usual from time to time. Occasional sudden increases in the frequency of feeds, usually caused by growth spurts, are sometimes known as cluster feeding.

Cluster feeding affects breastfeeding moms in particular; however, formula-fed babies can also feed more frequently at certain stages of development.

Why do babies cluster feed? When does cluster feeding start? When might it end? What’s the best way to cope with a cluster-feeding baby? Keep reading for the answers to these questions and more.

What Is Cluster Feeding?

Cluster feeding is a term used to describe when a breastfed baby wants to be fed more often than usual at certain times of the day.

Every baby is different, so it’s difficult to define precisely when normal feeding crosses the line to become cluster feeding. As a breastfeeding mom, what you’ll notice is a marked increase in the number of feeds compared to what’s been normal so far.

But what does normal even mean, given that the frequency of your little one’s feeds tends to change anyway as your little one grows?

Well, right after birth, your newborn baby’s stomach is still very small, so in the first few days it’s normal for your little one to eat very often — perhaps every one to three hours — to get all the nutrients she needs.

Then, during your baby’s first few weeks and later when your baby is about 1 month old and 2 months old, her stomach gets bigger and she gradually starts taking more milk at each feed. The gaps between feeds also usually get longer.

If your baby starts cluster feeding, this trend is suddenly reversed. When this happens, it might seem as if you’re back to square one, and that your little one has reverted to the constant feeding you experienced in those first few days or weeks.

But don’t worry: Cluster feeding is a common and normal stage in your baby’s development. While it may be a little more tiring for you, it’s actually helping her grow and develop.

Why Does a Newborn Baby Start Cluster Feeding?

Bouts of cluster feeding can occur if your little one is having a growth spurt and needs more food to fuel this rapid development.

Despite their name, growth spurts aren’t always related to an increase in your baby’s size and weight; you could also see a spike in your little one’s appetite when she’s working on developing new mental or motor skills.

In the first year, babies tend to experience the most rapid growth in the first two months after birth, so there may be a higher chance of cluster feeding during this period.

A growth spurt often occurs at around the beginning of the second week, and another one is common between three and six weeks, but every baby is different. There’s no knowing precisely when your little one’s hunger pangs will strike, or how long the cluster feeding phase will last.

Do Formula-Fed Babies Cluster Feed?

The short answer is yes, they can. Although formula-fed babies usually feed less often than breastfed ones because breast milk is digested faster than formula, formula-fed babies, of course, also experience growth spurts — and the associated munchies — as well.

If you’re formula feeding your little one, there’s a chance that she may eat more frequently — and even cluster feed — during these periods, too; but it’s also possible that the interval between feeds will stay more or less the same and she’ll just want to take a little more at each feed. Paced bottle feeding is a good method to use if you prefer your baby having more control over the pace of feeding.

How Long Does Cluster Feeding Last?

Feeding patterns can vary continuously for as long as your baby is breastfed or formula-fed, but bouts of cluster feeding generally occur during the first few weeks and months after your little one is born.

How to Deal With Cluster Feeding

Bouts of cluster feeding can make those first few months — already a tiring time — seem more challenging, but it’s important to go with the flow and ride out those periods of more intensive feeding. Remember, the growth spurts won’t last forever.

In the meantime, try and get as much rest as you can in the “calmer” periods, and take steps to avoid getting sore nipples, such as making sure your baby’s mouth is deeply latched, and using different breastfeeding positions from time to time.

Rather than setting a rigid timetable for feeding your baby, keep an eye out for feeding cues — the signs that he’s hungry — and let him feed “on demand” as much as possible.

Signs that your baby is hungry include turning towards your breast (rooting) if he’s breastfeeding, as well as smacking his lips or putting a fist in his mouth and sucking on it.

Reach out to your healthcare provider or enlist the help of a lactation consultant if you need help with cluster feeding or any other aspect of breastfeeding.

Our downloadable go-to breastfeeding guide is also a great source of tips and advice.

How to Tell if Your Baby Is Still Eating the Right Amount

All the changes in feeding patterns that can occur during those first few months of your little one’s life can be confusing. If you’re at all unsure, check in with your baby’s healthcare provider.

In the meantime, here are some ways to check your baby is getting enough milk:

Pay attention to your baby’s feeding cues. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s hard to be sure exactly how much milk your little one’s had. Keep in mind that your baby’s feeding sessions can vary in length, and he’ll usually stop eating when he’s feeling full. If you’re bottle-feeding, you might be unsure whether your little one has gotten all the breast milk or formula he needs from the bottle. Signs that he’s still hungry might include putting his hand in his mouth or smacking his lips after draining the feeding bottle dry. Fidgeting or looking distracted mid-feed could mean he’s no longer hungry. As your little one’s feeding patterns become established, you’ll soon get to know his unique signals and cues.
Keep an eye on your baby’s growth. As long as your little one’s size and weight gain are on track, he’s probably eating the right amount. Your baby’s healthcare provider will be keeping track of all this for you.
Count those dirty diapers. What goes in must come out, so counting wet and poopy diapers is another way of keeping tabs on your baby’s intake of fluid and nutrients. After the first 5 days, around 6 or more heavy wet diapers and about 3 or 4 poopy ones every 24 hours is a good sign that your little one is getting enough milk. Incidentally, all those diapers — whether they end up filled with meconium, regular poop, or pee — could be earning you great gifts, discounts, and coupons. Download the Pampers Rewards app to get started.

Will Cluster Feeding Make My Breast Milk Run Out?

Your little one’s feeding actually stimulates milk production, so in most cases your body will ramp up the supply to meet demand during periods of cluster feeding.

Stress or illness may decrease your milk supply temporarily. Ways of overcoming these temporary glitches include staying hydrated, eating healthily, and getting a little more rest (if you can).

Some medications can also affect your milk supply. If you think a medicine that you’re taking could be reducing the amount of breast milk you make, talk to your healthcare provider. Your provider might be able to suggest an alternative medication for you while you’re breastfeeding.

If you think you might not be producing enough milk, you can always ask your provider or a lactation consultant for personalized advice on how to increase your breast milk supply.

Caring for a newborn baby is a full-time job and, just like any other rewarding occupation, it can have its more relaxed and its busier periods. For most moms, times of cluster feeding fall into the latter category!

But there’s a big upside to all of this: As you watch your little one growing and changing from day to day, simply knowing that each bout of cluster feeding is fueling the next stage of your baby’s development will make the extra effort seem worth it in the end.

What is Cluster Feeding and Why Do Babies Do It?

Lurie Children's Blog Cluster Feeding FAQs

May 12, 2022

Contributing Expert: Tara Kotagal, MD

This post is part of our newborn health and wellness series. For more information from our pediatric experts, visit our Newborn Resources page.

You may have heard the term cluster feeding before. Wondering if your baby is doing it and what it means? Lurie Children’s pediatricians answer the most common questions about cluster feeding.

What Is Cluster Feeding?

Typically, newborns need to eat every 2–3 hours in the first few weeks of life. But sometimes, they may suddenly want to feed more often than before. This is called cluster feeding. It simply means eating more frequently than every two hours.

Why Do Newborns Cluster Feed?

Babies cluster feed for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is for comfort. But often it is because they are growing and they need more milk.

At What Ages Do Newborns Tend to Cluster Feed?

Newborns usually cluster feed when they are going through a big period of growth. The most common ages are:

Right after birth
At two weeks of age
At one month of age

How Should I Handle It if My Baby Wants to Cluster Feed During the Night?

A baby’s sleep can get disrupted when they are going through developmental milestones. This can be frustrating! It is especially hard if your baby has been sleeping for well and then suddenly regresses.

Do your best to feed on a schedule during the day so that your baby has a full tummy leading up to bedtime. Try to differentiate between hunger cues and soothing cues. As your baby gets older, they should start to sleep in longer stretches overnight. If they are still waking up frequently to feed at four months, talk with your pediatrician about sleep training.

How Can I Tell the Difference Between a Baby Who Wants to Cluster Feed and a Fussy Baby?

You may not always know the difference. Look for hunger cues, like lip smacking, moving their head from side to side, rooting (as if searching for food) or moving their hand to their mouth.

If your baby cries out shortly after a feed, try soothing techniques, such as using a pacifier, shushing, swaying or swaddling.

Can Formula-Fed Babies Cluster Feed?

Yes, they can. However, formula tends to be more slowly digested than breast milk. It may leave babies feeling fuller at bedtime, leading to less frequent awakenings overnight.

Do All Newborns Cluster Feed?

Remember that every baby is different and it is hard to compare one infant to the next. While cluster feeding is a common phenomenon, each baby may do it a bit differently.

What if My Baby Wants to Cluster Feed, but I Need a Break?

While you need to take care of your baby, you also need to take care of yourself! Feeding a baby takes a lot of work. Breastfeeding parents should try to limit feeding sessions to 30 minutes or less. And take at least a 30-minute break in between feeds. If bottle feeding, try alternating feeding responsibilities with another caregiver. Make sure you are prioritizing your own rest.

Remember, always reach out to your pediatrician with your feeding questions. Your pediatrician is your partner in helping to care for your baby and making sure they meet all their development milestones.

In addition to expert specialty care, Lurie Children’s offers several primary care locations around the Chicago area for your child's healthcare needs — from infancy through childhood and adolescence. Learn more about our primary care services.

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How to formula feed your baby | Nutrilak

Tiunova Elena

Published: 01/16/2023

Reading time: 5 min

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The ideal food for an infant is breast milk. This position is voiced by the World Health Organization and shared by Russian pediatricians. But there are times when breastfeeding is impossible for objective reasons, and sometimes mothers underestimate its importance and think about whether it would not be easier to transfer the child to a formula.

Can I formula feed my baby?

In cases where breastfeeding is not possible, the baby should not only be fed with formula. Modern adapted milk formulas for baby food are close to breast milk and contain all the necessary components for the normal growth and development of the child.
Milk formula is much better for feeding a baby in the first year of life than, for example, whole cow or goat milk, liquid semolina. The baby's digestive tract is not ready for such loads, they can cause serious disturbances in the body.

If the baby is separated from the mother, if the woman is forced to take medicines that are incompatible with breastfeeding, if she has diseases that make natural feeding impossible, then formula milk is a means of salvation. It will not only allow the child to stay alive without mother's milk, but will also give the opportunity to live a full life.
At the same time, without objective reasons, formula feeding a child is a bad decision. Although the milk formula is close in composition to breast milk, it does not reproduce it: this is not yet possible at the current level of development of science. The mixture does not adapt to the needs and condition of the baby, as it happens with breast milk.

Switching to formula should be treated in the same way as taking medicine: if there are indications for it, then artificial nutrition, like medicine, will be good. If it is possible to feed the child with breast milk, then at least in the first 3-4 months after birth, one should strive to maintain breastfeeding. This is necessary for the baby's digestive system to mature and begin to produce enough enzymes, the intestines to be populated with normal microflora.

WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months, and then, combined with complementary foods, continue to breastfeed the baby up to 2 years and beyond, at the request of mother and baby. Russian pediatricians recommend the introduction of complementary foods from 4 to 6 months.

What kind of formula to feed the baby

If it becomes necessary to give formula to the baby, it is necessary to discuss this with the pediatrician. He will recommend what kind of mixture to feed the child, so as not to harm his digestion.

Whatever formula you use, there are general rules to follow when feeding your baby:

Use sterile bottles and teats for feeding. After each feeding, they must be thoroughly washed and sterilized so as not to become a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria.
Do not store the reconstituted formula, feed the baby immediately. In case of emergency (it is not possible to dilute a new portion, leaving the baby with a relative who does not know how to prepare baby food, etc.
The mixture must be prepared immediately before feeding.

This is important!

The prepared formula must be used within 2 hours. Do not use leftover formula in the bottle for follow-up feeding

Sign the date on which the pack or can of formula was opened. It is necessary to use baby food from an opened package within 3 weeks. After the expiration of the period indicated on the packaging, the manufacturer does not guarantee the safety of its products.
If you need to switch your baby to a different formula, do it gradually: on the first day, give a couple of teaspoons of new formula in one feeding, then over the course of a week increase the volume of new formula and the number of feedings in which you will give it until you completely change old mixture to new.
The introduction and change of formula is stressful for the body, so do not change formulas without indications from the child's health. Be sure to consult your doctor if you are concerned about any symptoms in your baby while taking the mixture.

This is important!

The ready mix can only be heated once.

How do I choose formula for my baby?

Infant formula should be recommended by a doctor, but you also need to understand the types of infant formula to understand why the prescription is made, if there are options, and when to change the prescribed formula.

To choose the right formula for your baby, you need to consider the following conditions:

The state of health of the child. If the baby is healthy, he is prescribed a standard mixture. If he was born prematurely, his mother had a caesarean section, if he was allergic to cow's milk protein or lactose intolerance, if functional digestive disorders are expressed - regurgitation, constipation, colic - the child will need a specialized or therapeutic mixture.
Child's age. Standard mixtures are produced under the marking 1, 2, 3, sometimes 4. These numbers show what age the mixture is designed for: 1 - for babies in the first half of the year, 2 - for children from 6 to 12 months, 3 - over a year, 4 - over one and a half years.
Mix availability. If possible, choose a brand of infant formula that you can easily buy at your nearest store or pharmacy. If a child needs a certain type of therapeutic mixture, which will be brought to you on order, nothing can be done, you will have to purchase food with a margin and replenish it in time. But if the child is healthy, then choose the food that is easier for you to purchase so that you can buy a new package at any time.
Individual reactions of the child. Sometimes a child may react differently to mixtures of the same composition from different manufacturers. It is impossible to calculate in advance whether the mixture is suitable. Therefore, without a doctor's prescription, you should not transfer the child to another mixture, for example, goat's milk or with some additives, based only on the fact that these mixtures are more expensive, “premium”, more environmentally friendly, more popular.
Expiry date, package intact. Check the expiration date of infant formula, the condition of the packaging. Do not use a mixture from damaged, dented, wet packs and cans.

How long should I formula feed my baby?

During the first year of life, infant formula, like breast milk, is the main food for the baby. For children older than one year, formula, or baby milk, is an important addition to the basic diet, a source of essential vitamins and minerals. If the mixture is selected in accordance with age, then it is possible to feed a child with it up to one and a half to two years, and sometimes longer. However, the number of formula feedings at this age is reduced to 1-2 times a day, for example, as an afternoon snack or second dinner.
As for specialized and therapeutic mixtures, the duration of their intake is determined only by a doctor. The pediatrician will explain how to switch to special formulas correctly and how and when to leave them for standard nutrition.

List

The baby can be formula fed if breastfeeding is not possible.
A mixture for a child is chosen based on his state of health, age, individual reactions. It is important that the mixture is always available for purchase, has a good shelf life and presentation.
You can feed your baby with formula for as long as breast milk. In the first year of life, infant formula is the main food for the child, and up to two years and beyond, it is an addition to the main diet.

Author of article

Tiunova Elena

Pediatrician of the highest category, nutritionist, candidate of medical sciences, associate professor of the department of faculty pediatrics and propaedeutics of childhood diseases, Ural State Medical University

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Can I formula feed my baby?
What formula to feed the baby
How do I choose formula for my baby?
How long should I formula feed my baby?

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feeding rules, types of mixtures, tips for breastfeeding mothers

If breastfeeding is not possible, do not be upset: modern technologies make it possible to achieve maximum compliance of artificial feeding with all healthy nutrition standards. We talk about the basic rules of artificial feeding and common mistakes.

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If you can breastfeed, great, this is the best food for your baby. But if for some reason natural feeding is not possible, this is not a reason to panic: there are now many healthy mixtures that can replace mother's milk. Study our rules for artificial feeding, and everything will work out!

When to switch to artificial feeding

Inability to breastfeed for medical reasons. With some diseases, as well as when taking a number of medications, breastfeeding is prohibited, since milk can be dangerous for the baby due to the content of toxic substances. Sometimes the reason to stop breastfeeding may be the child's disease (for example, cleft lip or severe malformations).
Cessation of lactation. If there is not enough milk or it has disappeared completely, there is nothing to do, you need to supplement the baby with mixtures. As a rule, mixed and artificial feeding solve the problem.
Impossibility of regular feeding. For example, you can go to work or end up in a hospital, and this is not a reason to starve a child, but a reason to switch to mixed or artificial feeding: the rules for feeding and portion sizes change somewhat.
Inadequate nutritious milk from the mother. Sometimes the problem is solved by changing your diet, but if the milk remains watery and the baby is screaming with hunger, then it's time to supplement him with mixtures, and later switch to them completely.
The wish of the mother of the child. No matter how pediatricians talk about the benefits of breastfeeding, sometimes women who have every opportunity to breastfeed still prefer to give their baby a bottle. Well, that's your right. Just learn first the rules of artificial feeding of infants!

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Rules for artificial feeding of a child

1. How to choose a formula?

It is best to seek advice from a pediatrician, but, in principle, if the baby does not have lactose intolerance, any mixture that has received the approval of the Russian Union of Pediatricians will do. It is great if the mixture contains Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, they contribute to the harmonious development of the nervous system.

For example, Nutricia's "Malyutka" formula meets all the standards and rules of artificial feeding, is produced according to European technologies with the strictest quality control and is recommended as an alternative to breast milk, even for newborns. Nutricia regularly evaluates the quality and demand for its products among consumers and doctors, analyzing the results of independent surveys of pediatricians and mothers with children up to 24 months of age.Iodine, selenium, zinc, iron with enough vitamin C (for better absorption), choline, taurine, L-carnitine are modern ingredients, the amount of which is specially selected in formulas to meet the needs of children.The quality is monitored by the Dutch research center Numico, the milk base for formulas is made in the most environmentally friendly country - Ireland, and production is open in Russia, at a plant in Istra, which received the international ISO 22000 certificate - maximum food safety control uktov.

A mixture of the New Zealand brand "Bibikol" is made on the basis of healthy goat's milk. The range of the brand includes mixtures for the smallest and older children, and the quality of the products is confirmed by Russian pediatricians. As a rule, formula feeding does not cause serious side effects even during the adaptation period.

The Dutch brand Kabrita also makes milk formulas based on goat's milk, which is easier to digest than traditional cow's milk. The brand's products contain vitamins, microelements and other functional ingredients necessary for the development of the child.

The mixtures of another Dutch brand, Friso, are considered among the best due to their high quality. The brand offers mixtures for both newborns and older children. Subject to the rules for artificial feeding, this is an excellent choice for babies of different ages.

2. How do I know if formula is right for my baby?

If possible, the transition to artificial feeding should be done according to the rules, gradually replacing breast milk with formula. Pediatricians believe that adaptation to a new diet in babies under the age of one year takes from 3 to 7 days. During this period, stool changes, gas formation are possible, and this should not be frightened. As a rule, after a week, the baby stops worrying about the tummy and gets used to the new mixture. If this does not happen, it is worth choosing another food for him. For example, instead of the usual milk mixture, offer a fermented milk analogue. Major brands, like Nutricia's Malyutka, always have both options in their product line.

Formula milk can be used from birth

To improve digestion, a pediatrician can recommend fermented milk formula for formula feeding

3. How to choose a feeding bottle?

Feeding bottles are available in plastic and glass, and each has its own advantages, there are no strict rules for artificial feeding in this regard. Plastic ones are safer because they don't break. They are lighter, so it is convenient to take them with you for a walk. Glass is good because it can be sterilized many times, while plastic can deteriorate. Which bottle to choose for a newborn depends on the age of the baby. For the smallest, glassware is better, since sterility is in the first place. For older babies outside the home, it is better to use plastic bottles, but for home feeding, still leave glass bottles.

4. How to properly store baby food?

Prolonged exposure to abnormal temperatures, both low and high, can change the organoleptic properties of the product, affect its solubility, and cause swelling of the foil bag or the protective membrane of the can. In case of repeated heating and cooling of the mixture, especially in winter, further use of the product may cause a painful reaction in the child. Therefore, it is very important to observe temperature control from 0ºС to +25ºС. Formula feeding regulations do not recommend storing product near heat sources such as stoves, electric kitchen appliances, radiators, or on windowsills.

5. How long can formula feed formula be stored?

Less than an hour. If the baby has not finished eating, and you intend to finish feeding him in 15-20 minutes, you can not prepare a new mixture. But if the baby has eaten enough, and the feeding regimen for artificial feeding provides for the next feeding only after 2.5 - 4 hours, then the leftovers should be poured out, and a new portion should be prepared for the next time.

6. Does my child need probiotic formula?

GOS/FOS prebiotics are natural dietary fibers similar in composition to breast milk prebiotics, they are added as high-quality mixtures to improve digestion. The child quickly and painlessly gets used to such a mixture, absorbs it well and encounters stool disorders less often. Rules for artificial feeding of newborns and older children recommend giving preference to such mixtures, although this is not a strict requirement.

7. How do you know if your baby is eating enough?

You can use the Shkarin formula: The volume of the mixture per day = 800 ml + 50 x (M-2), where M is the number of months of the child's life. But this method is only suitable for babies older than 2 months. For newborns, everything is very individual, since babies are born with different weights and heights, so if you are afraid that the baby is malnourished or overeating, consult a doctor before feeding the baby formula again.

8. Should I change my formula?

If there is no reason to doubt the quality of the mixture and its tolerance by the baby, you should not change your child's usual diet just because the new mixture seems more useful, modern, etc. to you. Replacing the mixture can be a real stress for the child's body. And there is no guarantee that a new diet will not cause any signs of intolerance. Replacing the mixture is justified when passing the next age limit, and even in this case, the rules for artificial feeding recommend remaining faithful to one manufacturer.

9. How to prepare the mixture correctly?

According to the rules of artificial feeding, most mixtures are prepared as follows: boiled water is cooled to a temperature of 50-60 ° C (a higher temperature cannot be used, live bifidobacteria die and some vitamins are destroyed). Pour it into a bottle, add the exact amount of the dry mixture there. Close the bottle, mix the mixture thoroughly, shaking the contents of the bottle. Look at the light so that there are no lumps, the milk should turn out homogeneous. To check the temperature of the food - put a few drops on your wrist or elbow crease (the most sensitive place). The mixture should be slightly warmer than body temperature—i.e. practically not felt.

10. Technique and rules of artificial feeding

How to formula feed correctly? In order to make it comfortable not only for the baby, who should be in a semi-vertical position, but also for the mother during feeding, you can use additional pillows by placing them under the back. The position of the mother's legs can be different: you can put your foot on the foot, you can put a low bench under your feet, you can feed the baby in the prone position, while gently holding the baby. To reduce air swallowing, tilt the bottle so that the milk fills the nipple and the air rises to the bottom of the bottle. Hold your baby upright for a few minutes after feeding to reduce the chance of spitting up.