Cluster feeding

Cluster feeding is when your young baby's feeds are very frequent or 'clustered' together. Your baby may want to feed many times over a couple of hours. They may also be fussy during this time. This often happens in the evening or early hours of the morning and is common in the first few months of a baby's life.

This can be a difficult time, but knowing why babies cluster feed and how you can respond can help you make sense of it all.

Most babies cluster feed at times and there are a few ideas why: 

• Many babies seem to want to 'fill up' before sleeping for a longer period at night. This may make them feed more often. 

• Some babies have a strong need to suck for comfort. They may become unsettled soon after coming off the breast and want another feed.

• Your baby may be more unsettled in the evening if they are tired, particularly after a busy day. They can find it harder to cope by the end of the day and need the closeness of a breastfeed to feel calm.

• Frequent feeding in the early evening or during the night may help maintain your milk supply for the next day.

Did you know your milk changes throughout the day and night to meet your baby’s needs? For example, there is more fat and more calories in your breastmilk at the times when your breasts are less full. So even if your breasts feel softer in the afternoon or evening, your milk is still perfect for your baby. Letting baby feed little and often will help ensure they get all they need.

If you can, follow your baby’s lead and let them feed often. After a while, your baby will likely settle and sleep. If baby is fussy at the breast, here are some simple ideas to try:

• Try to feed in a quiet spot, away from distractions. You can also turn off the TV, switch your phone to silent and dim the lights.
• Help the milk to flow. Take deep breaths and stroke your breast towards the nipple to encourage your let-down reflex.
• Give your baby a warm relaxing bath or hold them skin-to-skin between feeds.
• Keep baby close. If you need to get things done, your baby may be happier worn in a baby carrier. A pram or rocker in the living area can help you rock or soothe baby between feeds while you see to other things.

Cluster feeding often happens at the end of the day, when everyone is tired and busy. You or your partner may have just arrived home from work, or perhaps you are trying to make dinner or caring for older children too. There are some simple ways to make this difficult time easier:

• Accept that evenings may be busy and sometimes stressful while baby is young. You may need to focus on baby for a few hours, and wait until they are asleep to have some time for yourself.
• Prepare for this time of day. For some, this means having a rest earlier in the day. For others, it may mean planning an easy dinner.
• Find a way to make it more enjoyable. Have drinks, snacks and entertainment ready for you and any older children. You may choose to listen to your favourite podcast, read a book or stream your favourite show.
• If you have a partner or live with family or older children, talk together about ways they can help. Having someone else take care of household tasks in the evening allows you to focus on feeding and settling your baby.
• When you need a break, ask someone else to cuddle, rock or take your baby for a walk. If the weather is ok, many babies are more settled outside.

Next time you're experiencing a cluster feeding period, be kind to yourself. You are not alone.  

Cluster feeding is normal behaviour for young babies. It is not usually a sign of low milk supply. But if you're wondering about your milk supply, there are ways to tell if your baby is getting enough milk.

If you are still worried, your doctor can check your baby to rule out any medical problems that could make them cry and fuss a lot.  

© Australian Breastfeeding Association November 2024