What ages do babies cluster feed

Cluster Feeding: Ages, Signs and Tips

By the time baby arrives, you’ve probably mentally prepared for the frequent wakeups you’re about to endure. Sleep deprivation as a new parent is par for the course, after all. What may come as a surprise, however, is the pure exhaustion that accompanies newborn cluster feeding. It’s one of those new parenting things you won’t truly understand until you actually experience it; but it’s totally normal and, thankfully, doesn’t last forever (though it won’t feel like much of a consolation when you’re in the thick of it). Still, it’s helpful to know what to expect so you can mindfully manage the situation rather than panic when the feeding frenzy begins. Ready to get the lowdown on all things newborn cluster feeding? We’re sharing what it is, why it happens, when it starts and how long it’ll last—plus, some tips for how to cluster feed and prepare yourself for the nonstop breast or bottle buffet ahead.

In this article:
What is cluster feeding?
Why do babies cluster feed?
When does cluster feeding start?
How long does cluster feeding last?
Signs of cluster feeding
Tips for how to cluster feed
How to stop cluster feeding

What Is Cluster Feeding?

You may have heard the term thrown around by other parents, or perhaps a lactation consultant said it during a blurry bedside visit at the hospital. So what is cluster feeding, exactly? Baby cluster feeding is pretty much what it sounds like: when your little one wants to be fed in “clusters” throughout the day. Cathleen Hemphill, RN, a nurse and lactation consultant in Raleigh, North Carolina, explains that in their first few days of life, babies typically need to be fed a minimum of eight times in a 24-hour span. But before you set your clock and your expectations, know that newborns typically don’t follow a predictable feeding schedule. “Most infants will want to feed more often than this and will cluster or group several feedings in a shorter amount of time,” Hemphill says.

In general, a typical feeding for a newborn will last between 15 and 20 minutes, leaving baby nourished and satisfied for about three to four hours, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In contrast, when they’re cluster feeding, “a baby has several feedings within a short amount of time followed by a longer stretch of sleep,” says Amy Peterson, IBCLC, a lactation consultant in Jerome, Idaho. You’ll know that baby is cluster feeding—and that it’s not just their preferred eating schedule—when their routine suddenly changes for two or three days and then just as swiftly returns to a more regular feeding pace.

Cluster feeding is completely normal, and while not every baby cluster feeds, it can happen with any newborn, regardless of whether they’re breastfed or formula-fed. That said, it’s often harder if you’re a nursing mom, as your milk is likely still coming in, and you may be struggling with breastfeeding—physically or mentally. If you’re exclusively pumping, it may feel like you can’t keep up with baby’s demands—especially if you don’t have a reserve of milk ready to go yet. That said, if you formula feed, you’ll still notice baby’s increased appetite but will have the convenience of being able to supply more milk on demand, which the AAP says is a safe and appropriate way to manage cluster feeding.

Why Do Babies Cluster Feed?

No one knows exactly why babies cluster feed, says Dyan Hes, MD, a pediatrician in New York City, but there are several strong theories. A common belief among experts is that it happens when a newborn is going through a physical or developmental growth spurt. Newborn cluster feeding could also correlate with baby’s routine in utero. “Most pregnant mothers know from fetal movements that as soon as they go to bed, their baby starts moving, and then about four hours later, they have to get up to the bathroom. This is a biological rhythm of activity that continues for the first weeks of life. We see infants feed well around a mother’s previous bedtime, then four hours later they will perhaps start to cluster feed,” explains Hemphill.

If you’re breastfeeding, newborn cluster feeding may cause you to worry or wonder if baby’s increased appetite is indicative of low milk supply or if you’re just not feeding them enough. It’s understandable why your mind would jump to that conclusion, but in reality, the opposite is happening. “In the first few days, a baby’s cluster feeding helps to increase and establish mom’s milk supply,” explains Jerrianne Webb, RN, a nurse and lactation consultant in Raleigh, North Carolina. “The baby’s frequent nursing assists in the hormonal process of transitioning mom’s first milk, colostrum, into the abundant mature milk, a transition that usually occurs between postpartum days three and seven.”

Oftentimes, babies cluster feed in the early evening, according to Hes, which also happens to coincide with the infamous “witching hour” for babies. Since the only way cluster-feeding babies know how to express their need to eat is through crying, it can be difficult to discern whether they’re being fussy because they’re hungry or because it’s just that time of day. If baby is inconsolable in the early evening but doesn’t seem to want to eat, it could be the result of overstimulation or possibly colic.

When Does Cluster Feeding Start?

Now that you understand what it is and why it happens, you may be wondering: When does cluster feeding start? Sorry to say, you may not get much of a breather after the exhausting work of labor and delivery. According to Hemphill, newborn cluster feeding can start as early as baby’s second day of life. While this may be the last thing you want to deal with while recovering and trying to get the hang of this whole breastfeeding thing, it can actually be very helpful. “[Cluster feeding] is the principle of supply and demand in breastfeeding,” explains Webb. “Baby’s demand [for milk] increases, which, in turn, increases Mom’s supply.” In those first few days after baby is born, the body is working hard to produce milk and increase supply as needed, and since this is triggered by baby feeding from the breast, the more often they feed, the more milk the body will ultimately produce.

How Long Does Cluster Feeding Last?

You’re sleep-deprived and desperate for relief—so you want to know: Exactly how long does cluster feeding last? Baby cluster feeding happens in bursts; each usually lasts a few days at a time, says Webb. However, during the first few weeks of life, as your supply continues to build, you can expect baby to want to cluster feed more often than not. After this initial stage, though, you’ll be more equipped to determine if and when baby will go through another cluster feeding phase based on typical development charts. “After the first few weeks, breastfed babies become more predictable,” she says. Cluster feeding ages typically align with growth spurts and occur at three weeks, six weeks, three months and six months. That said, the first three weeks of newborn cluster feeding is often the longest consistent stretch and the most intense for parents.

Signs of Cluster Feeding

As babies grow, they slowly start needing more and more milk in one feeding to satisfy their appetite. So how do you know if their increased need for milk is, in fact, cluster feeding or just part of their normal growth and development? Here are some common signs of cluster feeding to look for:

Having a normal, full feeding, and then wanting to be fed again 30 to 60 minutes later—often eating just as much as they would in a regular feeding
Sleeping deeply for long stretches of time after two or three close feedings
Acting frustrated during feedings, searching for the nipple when it’s right in front of them or latching on and off
Acting fussy or irritable when they’re awake but not on the breast
Eating in frequent, short spurts close together
Perpetual feedings often occur in the early evening and nighttime hours

Tips for How to Cluster Feed

For a breastfeeding parent, cluster feeding is exhausting in every sense of the word, especially if you’re still trying to get the hang of nursing. Here are some things you can do to make it a little more manageable:

Keep track of how many feedings the baby has had. Peterson says, “Cluster feeders still have the expected number of feeds, just not spaced evenly throughout the day/night.”
Have your partner or a support person help by doing as much as possible between feedings so you can rest
Avoid trying to force or delay feedings in an effort to get baby back on a schedule, as this will just make them fussier
Monitor their weight gain if you need peace of mind that they’re getting enough milk, suggests Peterson. “Expect babies to gain about an ounce a day (or more) once mom’s milk shifts from colostrum to milk,” she says
Stay hydrated and nourished to keep yourself healthy and your supply ample throughout this phase

How to Stop Cluster Feeding

You may be eager to get a little break, but if you’re wondering how to stop cluster feeding, the truth is: it just has to run its course. The best thing you can do is surrender and let baby take the lead. Hemphill stresses the importance of not forcing or delaying feedings in an effort to make cluster feeding end: “The American Academy of Pediatrics, WHO, and UNICEF recommend that infants feed on demand and as often as they want, day or night.”

Newborn cluster feeding is hard on parents, but you can take comfort knowing that it won’t last forever. Until it passes, lean on your support system and rest as often as possible. You’ve got this.

About the experts:

Cathleen Hemphill, RN, BSN, IBCLC, is a nurse and lactation consultant at the University of North Carolina’s Rex Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Dyan Hes, MD, is a pediatrician and the medical director of Gramercy Pediatrics in New York City. She earned her medical degree from the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel-Aviv University in 1997.

Amy Peterson, IBCLC, is a lactation consultant for Evenflo Feeding and co-author of Balancing Breast and Bottle: Feeding Your Baby. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and works out of Jerome, Idaho.

Jerrianne Webb, RN, IBCLC, is a lactation consultant for the University of North Carolina. She earned her nursing degree from Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

How Much Should a Newborn Eat?

Are There Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding?

Top 12 Benefits of Breastfeeding

Cluster Feeding: Ages, Signs and Tips

What Is Cluster Feeding?

Why Do Babies Cluster Feed?

When Does Cluster Feeding Start?

How Long Does Cluster Feeding Last?

Signs of Cluster Feeding

Having a normal, full feeding, and then wanting to be fed again 30 to 60 minutes later—often eating just as much as they would in a regular feeding
Sleeping deeply for long stretches of time after two or three close feedings
Acting frustrated during feedings, searching for the nipple when it’s right in front of them or latching on and off
Acting fussy or irritable when they’re awake but not on the breast
Eating in frequent, short spurts close together
Perpetual feedings often occur in the early evening and nighttime hours

Tips for How to Cluster Feed

Keep track of how many feedings the baby has had. Peterson says, “Cluster feeders still have the expected number of feeds, just not spaced evenly throughout the day/night.”
Have your partner or a support person help by doing as much as possible between feedings so you can rest
Avoid trying to force or delay feedings in an effort to get baby back on a schedule, as this will just make them fussier
Monitor their weight gain if you need peace of mind that they’re getting enough milk, suggests Peterson. “Expect babies to gain about an ounce a day (or more) once mom’s milk shifts from colostrum to milk,” she says
Stay hydrated and nourished to keep yourself healthy and your supply ample throughout this phase

How to Stop Cluster Feeding

About the experts:

Cathleen Hemphill, RN, BSN, IBCLC, is a nurse and lactation consultant at the University of North Carolina’s Rex Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Dyan Hes, MD, is a pediatrician and the medical director of Gramercy Pediatrics in New York City. She earned her medical degree from the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel-Aviv University in 1997.

Jerrianne Webb, RN, IBCLC, is a lactation consultant for the University of North Carolina. She earned her nursing degree from Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Plus, more from The Bump:

How Much Should a Newborn Eat?

Are There Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding?

Top 12 Benefits of Breastfeeding

The child began to breastfeed more often. This is fine?

This is the period in a baby's life when he begins to breastfeed more often. For example, if yesterday your child ate an average of once every two hours, and today he requires a breast every half an hour or an hour, we are talking about cluster or group feeding. This is a temporary change in the feeding regime, however, parents are unlikely to be happy with such changes and may think that they are doing something wrong. We hasten to reassure you: cluster feeding is normal.

This usually happens within the first 28 days of a child's life. As David Hill, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, says, the first "attack" of cluster feeding usually occurs on the 10-12th day of life, and then repeats in the region of three months. But in general, cluster feedings are typical for the entire first half of a baby's life.

Most often, cluster feedings occur in the late afternoon, when the baby is tired of external stimuli and wants to calm down and fall asleep. Cluster feedings often accompany growth and developmental spurts. Sometimes they can last all day.

The first weeks and months of a baby's life are a difficult time for him, because he is constantly growing and developing, accepting new conditions of life outside the womb, adapting to the outside world. To do this, he needs not only to get food regularly, but also to calm down, because this big world is such a complicated thing.

Sucking and being at the mother's breast is a natural need for the baby, so he uses cluster feedings not only to eat, but also to get close contact with the mother. So don't get mad at him, he really needs it. And do not listen to those who say that "that way he will make a dummy out of you." Won't. Listen to yourself and the child, you are doing everything right.

The good news is that there is evidence that this behavior in a child precedes longer sleep (we're talking about four to five hours). Why, it's a whole chasm of uninterrupted sleep when you have a newborn!

Yes, indeed, cluster feedings can exhaust a mother. But, as the same Hill says, they are important for her, especially if they occur at the initial stage of motherhood. The fact is that by frequent application, the baby stimulates the production of milk, thus helping the mother to quickly establish full lactation.

Of course, the baby needs maternal care and warmth, skin-to-skin contact, but you should not forget about yourself during this exhausting period of group feeding! More precisely, it is strictly forbidden, otherwise you risk bringing yourself to emotional exhaustion. Here's what can be done.

Don't blame yourself or your child. He is all right, all babies have such days, and you are doing everything right - offering him what he needs most now.

Do not forget to drink and eat , because your body is now intensively establishing lactation, which means it consumes a large amount of energy. Eat well and don't limit yourself to kuro-buckwheat.

Sleep between feeds . Facebook and Instagram can wait. Especially if cluster feedings caught you at night, and the baby wakes up every hour. Yes, it will seem to you that it is easier not to sleep at all than to spend time on short sleep sessions, but this is not so.

Connect partner . Yes, you may think that this is rather pointless, because he does not have breasts with milk. But he can carry the baby in his arms while you drink tea or spend time in the shower - during this period it is important to give yourself a little respite.

Don't listen to the "experts" . You will definitely be advised to put the child down and "let him scream" or do something else so that "God forbid, spoil him." But you shouldn't do that. We now know more about children and their needs than ever before. So: cluster feedings will not spoil your baby. He really needs them. In any case, more than senseless motion sickness, attempts to distract and hiss are more necessary.

It is believed that one episode of grouped feedings should not exceed two days, and the application itself should not exceed an hour. If the baby “hangs” on the chest for an hour and this has been happening for two days, you need to contact a lactation consultant or a pediatrician you trust.

We asked Daria Utkina, a doula and mother-and-child care consultant, to talk about cluster feeding.

Not all babies go through this period, but most do. It seems to me that knowing in itself that this is a physiological norm, and not an epic fail in becoming a milk fairy, already gives a lot of peace of mind. Often women worry that the reason for cluster feedings is the notorious “not enough milk”, although the child has just enough of everything.

Speaking of support, it's very cool when there are people nearby who also know that cluster feeding is a variant of the norm and you don't have to fight with it. Because even a confident and informed mother will be disturbed by the constant background anxiety of relatives. And if this is the first baby and everything is still completely new, then any comments on the topic “something is not working out for you”, “something is wrong with the child” will fall into the most vulnerable point.

Evening time can also be planned in advance, taking into account the baby hanging on the chest. Arrange with a partner to come to the beginning of vigils, call a postpartum doula or a friend / mother / anyone to be around.

On the contrary, it helps some women to break the stereotype about crazy evenings at home, pack the baby in a sling where he can feed non-stop, and go out into the world.

Well, adjust expectations all the time. Cluster feedings become a problem when the idea sits in your head that a baby usually eats at least once an hour, or even every three hours. And when everything happens differently, it makes you reconsider your ideas not only about babies, but also about your life with them.

Many of my clients find it helpful to remind themselves of "one thing a day." Especially for those who are accustomed to work tirelessly and assumed that while the baby was sleeping and eating, it would be possible to continue almost in the same rhythm.

Plus, sometimes it happens that cluster feedings are just situations where a child for some reason (inefficient attachment, a short bridle, for example) has to be on the breast all the time to get the right amount of milk. In this case, it would be good to call a consultant on breastfeeding and find out what is the reason.

During cluster feedings, the mother has a huge responsibility and may feel overwhelmed, exhausted and frustrated. Obviously, dads can't offer to help feed their baby, but there are some important ways they can help moms.

Get up with your mother. This is really important, she will not feel so lonely if the partner tries to cheer her up during feeding (and at the same time not fall asleep next to her).

Bathe, walk, entertain the child (and also his brothers and sisters). Cluster feeding will be much easier for mom if she can focus only on this.

Take on household chores. Clutter in the house is unlikely to help you stay calm. Conversely, if household chores are in order, mom will be less anxious on busy cluster feeding days.

No. What mother eats does not affect the amount of milk. There are no official lists of prohibited or permitted foods during feeding. If the mother or child does not have allergic reactions, then you can eat whatever you want, and even drink two small cups of coffee a day. We hope it's not cold!

Pediatrician "SM-Doctor" about the age until which a child should be breastfed

Some new mothers try to do this as early as possible. Others continue to put the baby to the breast at 4 and 5 years. Play their role and "national" characteristics. For example, in the UK, only a third of babies in their six months still receive mother's milk, while the rest are transferred to formula. And in the UAE, the law prescribes to breastfeed children up to two years, otherwise you can get severe punishment.

In fact, it is on the number “two years” that most doctors around the world agree. It is believed that after this age, mother's milk no longer brings additional health benefits. Is it so? we deal with experts.

Tatyana Kuznetsova
TATYANA KUZNETSOVA
pediatrician, nephrologist, breastfeeding consultant at the SM-Doctor clinic.

On the recommendation of the World Health Organization and the UN Children's Fund, it is desirable to maintain breastfeeding up to 2 years, longer - at the mutual desire of the mother and child. Domestic pediatricians, based on practical experience and scientific research, voice the figure up to 1.5 years.

It is now not uncommon to see mothers who breastfeed their children after two years of age. Such prolonged breastfeeding is commonly referred to as long-term feeding.

In any case, after 2. 5 years, the child goes through the process of natural extinction of the sucking reflex, there is a gradual self-weaning from the breast and, thus, the smooth completion of breastfeeding.

Regardless of the recommendations, the choice always remains with the mother. And the duration of breastfeeding will depend, first of all, on the readiness of both the mother and the child to stop this process.

What threatens the child's health with early weaning?

Breast milk substitutes do not contain anti-infectious factors, so an artificially fed baby is more likely to get intestinal infections and respiratory diseases. These include frequent acute respiratory viral infections, otitis media, bronchitis, pneumonia, intestinal infections (usually of a viral nature) with prolonged diarrhea, fungal intestinal diseases, as well as a formidable life-threatening condition - necrotizing enterocolitis of newborns.

Quite often in children on mixtures, intolerance to animal milk proteins (bovine, goat) develops with the development of allergic reactions, in particular, food allergies in the form of atopic dermatitis. Unfortunately, in the future such children are at risk for the development of allergic bronchitis, bronchial asthma.

Artificial feeding increases the risk of developing diabetes mellitus, as well as obesity associated with excessive consumption of formula in excess of the needs of the child. Perhaps the development of seizures due to excess content in mixtures of sodium, calcium, phosphorus.

Infants receiving formula may have reduced intellectual development due to a lack of amino acids, omega-fatty acids, which are necessary for the growing brain of a child.

In addition, according to some studies, not breastfeeding increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

What are the disadvantages of late weaning?

Not only abroad, but also in Russia, there are many studies that have proven the benefits of mother's milk at any time of feeding. After a year, breast milk changes its composition, but not for the worse.

The main reason for these changes is that milk is no longer the main food for the baby, and other functions come to the fore.

The older the child becomes, the greater the concentration of immunoglobulins in milk increases, which protect the child from infectious diseases. Breast milk contains leukocytes and a number of anti-infectious factors, as well as antibodies against infectious agents previously transferred by the mother.

How does breastfeeding affect the child's psyche?

Today it is becoming very fashionable to instill early independence in children, and premature weaning is seen by some parents as a means to make the child more independent.

However, psychologists who are closely involved in the study of child development warn that premature weaning can, on the contrary, provoke a delay in emotional development and increase dependence on parents. Imposed independence turns into psychological isolation and abandonment. It is much better to give the child the opportunity to become independent when he is ready for it.

This is well illustrated by the results of foreign studies: for example, one of them showed that the greatest achievements in school were among children who were fed longer. And in the course of another, they found that the longer a child breastfeeds, the better social adaptation goes later, at the age of six to eight. Both mothers and teachers acknowledged that babies who were breastfed for a long time were much less likely to develop problem behaviors.

Yes, and Russian doctors who undertook to study the effect of breastfeeding on the neuropsychic development of children found that babies who ate their mother's milk for a long time show much better results both at two years, in tests of speech development, and at three years , in tests of the correct performance of skills.

Many long-term mothers successfully combine feeding with work, and also take their children to kindergartens. Applications remain only at bedtime and at night. The rest of the time, the baby usually does not need to breastfeed. Ideally, the child should stop asking for breasts during the day, and then at bedtime and at night. As a rule, this happens about 2.5 - 3 years.

But if the child continues to breastfeed after 3.5 years, this may indicate any psychological problems of the baby or mother, in this case it is advisable to contact a psychologist, but not an ordinary one, but a friendly one for long-term feeding.

What if I can't breastfeed?

Sergey Butriy
SERGEY BUTRIY
Pediatrician, author of books on child health
A well-known doctor spoke about this in a podcast for Cuprum.

- One of the most "explosive" topics in the pediatrician's office after vaccinations is breastfeeding. Now it's fashionable to be for GW. Of course, formula is not quite the same as breast milk. There is only one "but".