Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhen It BeginsGrowth SpurtsWhen It StopsCluster Feeding and FormulaBreastfeeding ChallengesFussy After FeedingSelf-CareSupport
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
When It Begins
Growth Spurts
When It Stops
Cluster Feeding and Formula
Breastfeeding Challenges
Fussy After Feeding
Self-Care
Support
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
What Is the Neonatal Period?
Newborns: When Does Cluster Feeding Begin?
Feeding in the First Six Months
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.
Cluster Feeding and Newborn Growth Spurts
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:
When Does Cluster Feeding Stop?
Breastfeedingcan have challenges, and you may experience problems like:
Self-Care While Cluster Feeding
Ask for Help
Cluster Feeding Support and Help
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.
Summary
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.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
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.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
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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
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
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