When do babies grow out of cluster feeding

Cluster Feeding Survival Guide | Ready, Set, Food!

Cluster feeding is a completely normal phase where your baby feeds more frequently, because they’re going through a growth spurt. Here’s what you need to know when your baby starts cluster feeding.

Does your newborn want to feed several times close together, often during the evening? This may be frustrating, but it’s completely normal --- it’s a phase known as cluster feeding. Here’s what you need to know when your baby has started cluster feeding, including tips for this often-tiring phase.

What is cluster feeding?

Cluster feeding is when baby wants to feed several times during a shorter period (in clusters).

A cluster feed usually lasts for a few hours at a time, and looks very different from baby’s typical feeding habits. Baby might alternate between eating, crying and possibly resting several times in a 2-3 hour period. They might want to feed every 20-30 minutes within this timeframe.

Cluster feeding is perfectly normal, so don’t be alarmed at the changes in your baby’s feeding routine.

Why do babies cluster feed?

Cluster feeding is a way for newborn babies to make sure they get enough breastmilk (or formula) when they’re going through a growth spurt, to satisfy their increased developmental needs.

During this growth spurt, baby instinctively knows that feeding in clusters is the best way to encourage their mother to produce more breastmilk. Breastmilk production is all about “supply and demand” --- the more baby drinks, the greater supply their mother will have to meet their needs.

If you’re breastfeeding, this doesn’t mean that you weren’t producing enough milk before. Rather, baby’s just entering a time where they need more milk, and the cluster feed helps your body respond by producing more.

Do bottle-fed babies cluster feed?

Cluster feeding doesn’t just happen with breastfeeding babies, because it involves a natural instinct.

Even though the reasons behind cluster feeding involve getting a breastfeeding mother to produce more milk when baby needs it most, many bottle-fed babies will also want to cluster feed.

After all, all babies need more nutrients when they are going through growth spurts. And bottle-fed babies don’t always lose the instinct to take in those nutrients in a cluster pattern, just because they’re drinking from a bottle.

So, although cluster feeding is most common in breastfed babies, don’t be surprised if your bottle-fed baby starts cluster feeding.

Why does cluster feeding happen in the evening?

Experts don’t yet know why cluster feeds tend to occur in the evening or early afternoon (the period when baby tends to be fussiest). But they do have some theories.

Some experts think that babies’ still-developing nervous system makes them overtired or overstimulated, and that cluster feeding helps them relax.

Other experts believe that cluster feeding helps build mothers’ milk supply up during a time of day when it can naturally be slightly lower. Cluster feeding may help fight against that slight drop, so baby can get the nutrients they need before bed.

How to know when baby has entered the cluster feeding period?

Cluster feeding usually starts around baby’s third week of life. Then, it stops, and happens again around baby’s sixth week of life. This coincides with baby’s major growth spurts. Of course, every baby is different, so they may not start cluster feeding at these exact times.

On average (outside of cluster feeding), your 0-8 week old baby will feed 8 to 12 times every 24 hours.But if baby wants to feed more often than that (especially closer together), they’ve probably started cluster feeding.

Even though cluster feeding can be hard to identify (since babies often don’t have a predictable feeding schedule), these signs may indicate that your baby has started cluster feeding:

Baby wants to feed repeatedly and constantly
Even if they’ve already been fed, baby doesn’t seem satisfied with the feeding (especially in the evenings or later afternoons)
Baby eats more frequently, in shorter sessions than normal
Baby won’t stop crying until they’re fed
Besides the urges to feed frequently and the added fussiness when hungry, nothing seems “wrong” with baby
Baby is content during feedings
Baby still has the same amount of wet and dirty diapers

When they’re in the cluster feeding phase, baby will usually exhibit signs of hunger frequently during the evenings, even after they’ve already been fed. These may include:

Rooting (searching for the breast or bottle, or turning their head towards whatever touches their cheek)
Nuzzling against the breast
Opening the mouth wide
Mouthing
Moving the fists to the mouth
Lip-smacking
Fussiness
Becoming more alert

How long does cluster feeding last?

Each cluster feeding period usually lasts for a few days at a time. Babies usually “grow out of” cluster feeding around 3 or 4 months of age (of course, every baby is different.)

But if an older baby gets sick, or is teething, and needs the comfort of frequent feeding, they might cluster feed. Cluster feeding might also happen if an older baby goes through another growth spurt.

Regardless of when it happens, if your baby’s “cluster feeding” lasts longer than a few days, you need to check their weight and call your doctor. This may be a sign that your baby isn’t getting enough calories.

How to deal with cluster feeding?

The most important thing to remember during cluster feeding is that it’s completely normal. Don’t try to stop the cluster feed. Rather, let baby feed as often as they need to and want to.

Yes, cluster feeding can be frustrating, as it can be near-impossible to sleep when baby wants to feed every hour.

But these survival tips may help make the cluster feeding period more bearable for you and your family.

Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance when you need it.
If you’re breastfeeding and you’ve pumped breastmilk, or if you’re bottle-feeding, you could have another family member offer a bottle (or bottles). Then, use that time for self-care (such as a walk, a shower, or a few uninterrupted minutes to yourself),
Keep water and nutritious snacks by your feeding area to stay nourished. This is especially important if you’re breastfeeding.
Get plenty of rest beforehand. Try to nap for a few hours just prior to when you expect the cluster feed.
Make sure you’re nourished and hydrated by eating a healthy meal, and drinking plenty of water, just before the cluster feeding time.
Plan ahead in other ways if you can. Use the bathroom, and try to get comfortable in your feeding area, right before you think baby will want to cluster feed.
Plan to cluster feed in front of the TV so you can watch a movie or show that you enjoy.
Or, plan to listen to an audiobook, podcast, or music during a feed.
Practice feeding baby in a sling or carrier. That way, you’ll be able to walk around while you cluster feed.
Call a friend or family member while you cluster feed.
Switch up your feeding positions frequently to keep from getting sore.
If you have older children, designate special toys (or shows) for them that they can only enjoy during baby’s feeding times.
Ask your partner (or friends/relatives) for help with cooking and housework during baby’s cluster feeding periods.
If you’re breastfeeding, don’t assume that cluster feeding means your milk supply is low. Also, don’t automatically assume that you have to switch to formula (or supplement nursing with formula). You’ll need to keep breastfeeding (or pumping) consistently to maintain the milk supply baby needs.
If needed when breastfeeding, consider pumping between feeds, or using “power pumping,” to help your body produce the milk baby needs during cluster feeds. This way, you’ll be able to offer some or all of the milk in a bottle during cluster feeding (or let someone else feed baby, freeing you up).
If you have any concerns about breastfeeding during this time, consider talking to a lactation consultant.

Mama Natural offers more tips for supporting yourself and your baby during cluster feeding. Note that these tips are largely geared towards breastfeeding moms:

How to soothe baby during cluster feeding times?

Cluster feeding usually coincides with baby’s fussiest times. They may cry a lot in between feedings, even though they’ll be satisfied during the feedings themselves.

These tips may help you soothe baby during a cluster feed:

Move baby around while feeding (walk while using a sling or carrier, or gently rock baby).
Sing or talk to baby with a gentle voice.
Play soothing sounds (white noise or calming music). Turning on a fan may also create white noise.
Hold baby close to help them feel secure. Swaddling them may help as well.
Feed baby in a quiet, dark room to remove unsettling stimuli.
Try holding baby in different positions.

What is the difference between cluster feeding and colic?

When baby is cluster feeding, they may cry a lot, especially during the evenings, but they’ll be satisfied during feeding.

However, if baby keeps crying for several hours per day, for no good reason, and feeding doesn’t satisfy them, they may have colic.

Colic crying can sound like screaming, while cluster feed crying will sound like baby’s normal “hungry” cry. Also, colic crying tends to peak at six weeks, continue without a break, and stop around three months of age (a different pattern than cluster feed crying).

Please read this article for more on identifying and managing colic.

Wrapping up

Even though it may be frustrating, cluster feeding is a normal way for baby to get more nutrients during their growth spurts (and encourage you to produce more milk if you’re breastfeeding). Embrace this time the best you can, and follow the tips we’ve given to help make it more bearable. It will pass eventually!

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What Is Cluster Feeding, How Long Does it Last, and Why Does It Suck?

Breastfeeding

Cluster feeding is responsible for many sleepless night, but the exact cause is less cut and dry.

by Patrick A. Coleman

Updated: July 11, 2022

Originally Published: Feb. 2, 2021

ArtistGNDphotography/E+/Getty Images

Dads might have heard the phrase, but what is “cluster feeding” besides something that your breastfeeding partner hates? Well, newborn cluster feeding doesn’t really have any hard or fast definitions. In fact, depending on the context in which you hear the term — home versus maternity ward — it can indicate two wildly different infant breastfeeding behaviors. Either way, there are things dads can do to support moms suffering through newborn cluster feeding hell.

What Is Cluster Feeding?

“Cluster feeding in and of itself has not been proven by scientific data,” explains Jody Segrave-Daly, a registered nurse, lactation consultant, and co-founder of the Fed Is Best Foundation. “But the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has defined cluster feeding as several short feedings close together.”

Of course, that definition of cluster feeding is nothing short of ambiguous. What does “several” mean? How close together and for how long?

Typically, newborns breastfeed eight to 12 times every 24 hours over the first two weeks. By one- to two-months-old, feedings usually decrease to around 7 to 9 a day, spaced anywhere from 90 minutes to three hours apart.

Cluster feeding upends these patterns. Babies who cluster feed are essentially compressing the feedings.

When Do Babies Cluster Feed?

Segrave-Daly specifies cluster feeding as “around two to three feedings, typically in the evening, for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, for two to three hours. It’s usually a marathon of cluster feedings.”

She notes that maternity ward staff have a different perspective of cluster feeding, which can lead to some confusion. Many parents may hear the term on their first or second night in the hospital as a fussy newborn suckle frequently. “A baby night nurse and nurse and not come off the breast without crying because there is a delayed onset of milk,” Segrave-Daly says. But it’s not the same kind of pattern parents might see at home.

How Long Does Cluster Feeding Last?

Cluster feeding is an annoying feeding behavior, but will often resolve itself based on a mother’s milk supply, technique, or an adjustment in schedule. Typically, cluster feeding stops after 2 or 3 months, but sometimes will stretch a few weeks longer. But until things get better, fathers have a unique opportunity to step in and help.

“Develop a list of all the things to do for your partner because she actually can’t think anymore,” Segrave-Daly says. “She’s exhausted and everything hurts. Moms really don’t want to have to tell their partner what to do.”

Dads whose partners are trapped in a cluster feeding cycle can take on a bit more responsibility, like making meals or grocery shopping. They can make sure that breastfeeding areas are stocked with snacks and magazines. They can take on a shift bottle-feeding expressed milk.

But Segrave-Daly notes that many of the women she works with just want their partner to be patient and present. Sometimes being there, by her side, is enough.

This article was originally published on Feb. 2, 2021

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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! nine0003

Which parents raise happy and successful children

August 12, 2021 A life

Mothers and fathers who raise cheerful and capable children have much in common.

All parents want their children to stay out of trouble, do well in school, and create something good and useful as adults. Unfortunately, there is no guide to raising a happy and successful child. But psychologists have been able to point to the factors that predict success. And all of them concern parents and families, which have much in common. nine0003

They teach children social skills

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and Duke University followed more than 700 children from across America over a 20-year period to find a link between childhood social skill development and success at age 25.

Long-term research has shown that those children who are able to cooperate with their peers, understand their feelings, are ready to help another and solve problems on their own, graduate more often, receive a diploma and get a permanent job. nine0003

Those who had difficulty making contact with others as children were much more likely to get into trouble as adults, were generally more likely to be arrested, and could not boast of a high social status.

“This study shows that parents should help their children develop social skills and emotional intelligence. These are some of the most important skills a child needs to be prepared for the future,” says Kristin Schubert, program director at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which funded the research. “From an early age, these skills determine whether a child will go to school or go to jail, get a job or get addicted to drugs.” nine0003

They expect a lot from their child

Using data from a national survey of 6,600 children born in 2001, Professor Neal Halfon and his colleagues at UCLA were able to find that parents' expectations have a huge impact on what their children will achieve in the future.

“Parents who expected their child to go to university in the future seemed to lead him to this goal, regardless of family income and other factors,” said the professor. nine0003

This is confirmed by the so-called Pygmalion effect, described by the American psychologist Rosenthal. Its essence lies in the fact that a person who is firmly convinced of any fact unconsciously acts in such a way as to obtain real confirmation of his confidence. In the case of children, they unconsciously try to live up to their parents' expectations.

Mothers work

Psychologists have discovered that the daughters of working mothers go to school already having the experience of independent living. In the future, such children earn on average 23% more than their peers who grew up in families where their mothers did not work and devoted all their time to home and family. nine0003

Sons of working mothers tended to be more caring and housework oriented: the study found that they spent 7. 5 hours more per week caring for children and helping around the house.

“Situation modeling is a way to signal that you are showing what is appropriate in terms of how you behave, what you do, who you help,” says lead author of the study, Harvard Business School professor Kathleen McGinn.

They have a higher socio-economic status

The higher the parents' income, the higher the grades of their children - this is a general pattern. This data may sadden us, because many families are not able to boast of high income and opportunities. Well, psychologists say: this situation really limits the potential of the child.

Sean Reardon, a researcher at Stanford University, points out that the statistical difference in the success of children from rich and poor families is only increasing. If we compare those who were born at 1990, and those born in 2001, you can see that this gap has grown from 30% to 40%.

Apart from complex costly measures, the socioeconomic status of the family itself motivates children to achieve more academically.

They have received higher education

Research has shown that children born to mothers during adolescence are less likely to finish school and go to university.

A 2014 study led by psychologist Sandra Tang found that mothers who graduate from high school and college are more likely to raise a child who also graduates. nine0003

Responsibility for a child's aspirations rests at least in part on the shoulders of the parents.

Psychologist Eric Dubow found that a parent's level of education at the time their child turns 8 determines the next 40 years. This means that the success of the child in the future largely depends on him.

They teach their children math from an early age

A 2007 analysis of 35,000 preschoolers in the United States, Canada, and England showed that early development of mathematical abilities becomes a huge advantage for a child later on. Why this is so is not very clear, but the fact remains. Children who understand numbers and simple mathematical concepts from an early age learn to read faster. nine0003

They develop relationships with their children. others. By the age of 30, most of them are more successful and educated people.

Parents who are sensitive and attentive to their child give him the sense of security he needs to develop further and explore the world around him. nine0003

They are less stressed

Research suggests that the amount of time mothers spend alone with their children from ages 3 to 11 makes little difference to their development. But active, intense and compulsive motherhood can be devastating.

When a mother is under stress from trying to balance work and family, she is a bad influence on her children. The fact is that there is a psychological phenomenon of “contagiousness” of emotions. People are able to catch each other's feelings, just as they catch a cold. Therefore, when one of the parents is morally exhausted or sad, this gloomy feeling is transmitted to the child. nine0003

They Value Effort Over Fear of Failure

For decades, Carol Dwek, a psychologist at Stanford University, has conducted research that has found that children (and adults) can evaluate success in two ways.

The first one is called fixed thinking . People who think this way evaluate their abilities, intelligence and talents as a given, as something that can no longer be changed. Accordingly, for them, success is measured only by this value, and they throw all their efforts into not only achieving their goal, but also avoiding mistakes in any way. nine0003

There is also forward thinking to accept the challenge. Failure for such a person is a "springboard" for further growth and work on their own abilities.

So if you tell a child that he did well on a test because he "always was good at math," you are teaching him a fixed mindset. And if you say that he succeeded because he made every effort, the baby will understand: he can develop his abilities, and each next effort will bring a new result.