You’ve just developed a certain feeding rhythm, and suddenly it seems like your baby has no other aim in life than drinking. During the day, in the evening and sometimes even in the middle of the night. Sound familiar? This phenomenon is called cluster feeding. Although it is quite normal, it can be quite a challenge. What exactly does cluster feeding mean? Why is your child doing it? And how do you get through this period without stressing yourself out? In this article you will find answers and practical tips.
What is cluster feeding?
Cluster feeding means that your child wants to drink much more than normal at certain times of the day. The breaks between feedings become shorter and it seems like your little one never has enough. This behavior is especially common in newborn babies and is a natural response. It’s a way for them to grow, process impressions, and find proximity.
Why is my baby clustering?
As we already mentioned above, clustering is a way to grow, process impressions, and being close (to you). Let’s explain what this means in more detail:
- Security and comfort: After a busy day brimful with exciting, new stimuli and impressions, your baby seeks a safe haven and rest in your arms.
- Building up a food supply: At the end of the day, your little one drinks more often to stock up for the night. This helps your baby to remain asleep for longer stretches.
- Need for sucking: Sucking gives your baby a sense of comfort and helps to process impressions.
Cluster feeding is often manifested in the late afternoon or evening, but it can also occur in the morning or at night. How long this period of clustering lasts varies but in most cases a cluster phase can last from one to three days.
Cluster feeding and adjusting days
In addition to clustering, there is also such a thing as adjusting days. The difference between them lies in the reason behind the behavior. On adjusting days, your baby wants to drink more often to stimulate milk production, while cluster feeding is more about a sense of closeness, comfort and rest. Both are normal developmental stages and help your baby grow.
Clustering and bottle-feeding
Babies who are bottle-fed can also cluster as it often has to do with a need for food in order to sleep longer or to be closer to you. Here are some useful tips for bottle-feeding when your baby is clustering:
- Prevent overfeeding by offering your baby smaller portions at more frequent intervals.
- Use a slow-feeding nipple. This will help your baby drink more calmly.
- Offer an alternative feeling of comfort. For example, carry your baby close to you or give him or her a teat to satisfy their need for sucking.
Do you have doubts about how much food your baby needs? Then consult your family doctor or a childcare clinic.
Clustering and breastfeeding
For breastfeeding mothers, clustering is often linked to prolactin, a hormone, which regulates milk production. Because the level of this hormone is high in the evening, your child stimulates production by drinking more often. This keeps your milk production up to the necessary level. Here are a few tips to deal with it:
- Provide skin-to-skin contact for your baby. This calms your baby down and stimulates milk production.
- Take good care of your nipples. Use lanolin or another nourishing cream to prevent discomfort.
- Relax while feeding. Sit in a nice chair with some quiet music in the background.
Balance during cluster feedings
Cluster feeding can be particularly challenging. Therefore, the most important tip is: find your balance. Plan for moments of rest and adjust your daily schedule. Longer breaks between feeding are important to recover. And putting your legs up every now and then is absolutely no extravagant luxury.
Would you like to find out how other mothers cope with cluster feeding? Download “The Wonder Weeks” app! In this app, you can not only exchange ideas with other mothers, but you can also keep track of your little one’s leaps, learn why your baby is prone to cry more frequently during fussy phases and much more.
