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Jul 26, 2023

Cluster Feeding: Frequency, Duration, Newborn Growth

Throughout the newborn parenting period, you can expect to face times when your baby wants to eat constantly or doesn't appear satisfied for long after eating. This is called cluster feeding. It can

Throughout the newborn parenting period, you can expect to face times when your baby wants to eat constantly or doesn't appear satisfied for long after eating. This is called cluster feeding. It can happen whether you breastfeed or feed your infant with formula or expressed breast milk.

Newborns go through rapid changes in their first few weeks of life. Just when you get used to one routine, another change happens. This is true with your baby's abilities, sleep schedule, and eating habits.

Learn when cluster feeding begins, how often it occurs, why babies go through these phases, and how to take care of yourself during these demanding times.

Willie B. Thomas / Getty Images

When your baby is cluster feeding, you may wonder if they are getting enough to eat. Cluster feeding is a natural way of preparing your body to increase milk production as your baby grows and their feeding demands change.

Typically, these changes happen just before a growth spurt. More frequent nursing will increase breast milk production, ensuring your baby has the food supply they need as they grow.

Cluster feeding occurs throughout the first few months of your baby's life and usually begins for the first time around 2 to 3 weeks of age.

Newborn babies spend the majority of their time eating and sleeping. In the first few weeks of life, expect to feed your baby every one to three hours—or up to 12 times daily.

There is some variation depending on what your baby eats, with exclusively breastfed babies eating every two to four hours and formula-fed babies feeding every three to four hours.

In the first few weeks after birth, some babies—especially breastfed babies—may want to nurse every hour. This is typical as you and your baby adjust to each other's schedules and needs. However, if your baby is not gaining weight or developing properly, talk to a pediatrician.

Feeding can also increase in the 3- to 6-week-old period as your newborn goes through a period known as neurological awakening. During this time, your baby is becoming more aware of the world around them and may try to nurse or demand food to seek comfort.

In the first six months of life, newborns typically feed every two to four hours, equating to eight to 12 feeding sessions daily. The volume they consume, whether you are breast or bottle feeding, and the time of day can impact feeding frequency.

The timeline at which cluster feeding and growth spurts begin varies between babies, but there are some typical ages to anticipate the signs. Growth spurts and cluster feeding often occur around the following ages:

As your baby nears their first birthday, cluster feeding should become less frequent, but expect each growth spurt to last for a few days each time.

Introducing solid foods, such as baby foods, purees, and other age-appropriate foods, will help supplement your baby's diet and reduce cluster feeding as your baby grows.

Cluster feeding does not just happen in exclusively breastfed babies. Infants who eat expressed breast milk, formula, or a combination that works for your family will also go through periods of cluster feeding. Remember to let your baby lead and follow their cues to determine when they're hungry or full. Signals that indicate your bottle-fed baby is done eating include:

The first few days after a baby is born, the newborn may seem slow at feeding. In the immediate days after delivery, a breastfed baby consumes nutrient-dense colostrum. This substance is produced before your milk supply comes in, around four days after your baby is born. However, about 1 in 5 new mothers have a delay in the start of milk production after delivery.

Breastfeeding can have challenges, and you may experience problems like:

An obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn), pediatrician, or lactation consultant can help guide you through these challenges if you struggle to breastfeed. They can also guide you on supplementation or alternative forms of feeding that meet the needs of both you and your baby.

If your baby wants to feed longer than usual, this can also indicate that a growth spurt is on the way. Breastfed babies often nurse for 30 minutes to an hour during cluster feeding phases, especially in the evening, as they try to fill their stomachs before sleeping.

Take your baby to the pediatrician if your baby feeds constantly, is never satisfied after frequent or prolonged feedings, or has other problems after eating. Roughly 1 in 71 breastfed babies are hospitalized with feeding complications. Involving a healthcare provider in your feeding journey can help ensure your and your baby's health.

Around-the-clock newborn care is exhausting. Feeding takes a lot of time each day, whether you bottle-feed or breastfeed your baby. Most healthcare providers advise parents to let their babies guide them on when and how long to eat, but this can turn into a full-time job all on its own when you are feeding eight to 12 times a day for 30 to 60 minutes each time.

Although many parents who breastfeed prefer to offer the breast exclusively in the first few weeks of life, consider pumping so that you can enlist the help of others in feeding your baby. Taking off even just one feeding daily can give you much-needed time for self-care. Pacifiers can also provide some relief, especially when your baby is getting enough food but appears to be nursing purely for comfort.

Outside of feeding patterns, you will experience various emotions and hormone shifts as your body recovers after delivery. Don't be afraid to ask for help to care for yourself and your baby. Seek immediate emergency care if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby or developing signs of postpartum mood disorders such as postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis.

Parents of newborns often feel isolated in the first few weeks after giving birth as everyone adapts to new routines. However, talking with other parents going through the same challenges can help you find ways to cope with your new role.

Many healthcare centers offer local lactation support groups or can connect you with other organizations to help new parents adapt to life with a baby. If you are having difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, or other newborn feeding issues, talk to a healthcare provider or pediatrician about local resources.

Newborn babies are a lot of work. They spend nearly half the day eating. When you get used to one routine, your baby will develop a new one. Cluster feedings can complicate routines in the newborn period, but these are standard feeding patterns that usually come around the same time as a growth spurt. Let your baby guide you concerning when and how much to feed. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have any feeding-related concerns.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Breastfeeding challenges.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cluster feeding and growth spurts.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How much and how often to breastfeed.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How much and how often to feed infant formula.

Physician Guide to Breastfeeding. Next steps: 3 to 6 weeks.

National Health Service. Cluster feeding.

Fed is Best Foundation. What is cluster feeding and is it normal?

Harris DL, Weston PJ, Harding JE. Feeding patterns of healthy term newborns in the first 5 days—The glucose in well babies study (GLOW). Journal of Human Lactation. 2022;38(4):661-669. doi:10.1177/08903344221087605

By Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RNRachael is a freelance healthcare writer and critical care nurse based near Cleveland, Ohio.