How to manage cluster feeding and fussy newborns at night

It's not unusual to have a content, cooing baby by day and a fussy little one by night who wants to nurse constantly. Read on to learn about cluster feeding, how long it lasts, and how to soothe your baby at night while taking care of yourself, too.

Content

What’s cluster feeding?

Is my newborn cluster feeding?

How long will my newborn want to cluster feed?

Why does my baby get fussy at night?

What’s the connection between fussiness and frequent nursing?

What are some tips to soothe my newborn?

How can I take care of my body during cluster feeding?

Will I produce enough milk when my baby cluster feeds?

What’s cluster feeding?

Cluster feeding in a newborn means your baby enjoys several feeds close together. These feeds happen often in the late afternoon, evening and night during certain developmental phases of your baby’s early life.

Is my newborn cluster feeding?

It’s likely you are already feeding your little one every couple of hours for most of the day, however, with cluster feeding your baby probably nurses for short periods, coming off your breast, nursing a little more, fussing, nursing more, hiccuping, and so on and so forth.

But don’t worry! It’s completely normal. Cluster feeding is most common in newborns, but it can also happen with older babies for various reasons, from a tummy ache to a growth spurt.

How long will my newborn want to cluster feed?

Don't worry, mama! Like so many other things, your baby will grow out of this stage and move on to the next. In fact, the good news is that many babies outgrow this fussy stage by 3 - 4 months old. In the meantime, be patient and know that every ounce of milk and love your little one gets is precious.

Why does my baby get fussy at night?

It can be surprising to experience your baby get fussy at night after a perfect day. But sometimes when dinner time arrives babies get ornery, fussy, and seemingly inconsolable.

This type of fussiness often goes hand-in-hand with cluster feeding.

However, if you feel something might be off and your baby isn’t feeding enough, consult your doctor or a lactation consultant.

What’s the connection between fussiness and frequent nursing?

It’s not totally clear what causes this common phenomenon, but researchers have some ideas as to why babies get fussy and need to nurse a lot at night during a cluster feeding phase. Some reasons include:

Overtired

It’s hard being little! If your baby isn’t getting plenty of nap time during the day, it’s not unusual for them to get tired toward the end of the day and then get fussy. And, unlike adults, babies aren’t able to calm down and just go to sleep. They rely on you to comfort them, snuggle them, nurse them, and help them relax, so they can drift off to sleep.

Overstimulated

Many doctors believe evening fussiness is caused by your baby’s immature nervous system. Basically, your little one isn’t used to all of the stresses and stimuli of everyday life, so they react to this overload by crying. Your best bet is to keep your baby close to you (or your partner!) by snuggling and carrying them, nurse them when they want to nurse, and reduce stimuli like bright lights, loud sounds, and busy or cluttered rooms.

Growth spurts

Your baby's little body is growing and changing fast! If they happen to be going through a growth spurt, they're going to want more nourishment and may begin cluster feeding. If that's the case, you may find your baby wanting to nurse every 30 minutes to an hour.

What are some tips to soothe my fussy newborn?

Tips for soothing a fussy newborn might come in handy because what can make cluster feeding ever challenging is that it often happens during your baby’s fussiest moments.

Your little one might nurse for a few minutes, then fuss, then take a little more, then fuss again. If that sounds familiar, try some of these soothing techniques to help calm down your baby:

• Move around with your baby. Whether it’s rocking, swaying or walking, sometimes motion can help soothe your little one.
• Make some sounds. Sing, hum, talk, or listen to soft music or white noise.
• Hold your baby or wrap them in a sling or baby carrier to help them feel close and secure.
• Reduce stimulation by taking your little one into a quiet, dark room or try swaddling them.

How can I take care of my body during cluster feeds?

Taking care of your body during frequent feeds is very important, so don't forget to give yourself a break, too! Fussy babies and cluster feeding can be frustrating and tiring, so it’s essential to take a moment to relax.

Hand your little one off to your partner or put them in their crib, if they’ve finally dozed off. Try taking a short walk, a shower, or just sit by yourself quietly for a few minutes.

Feel free to gently massage your breasts. Remember to rest your arms, and of course, eat, so that you can recover your energy!

Will I produce enough milk when my baby cluster feeds?

Thankfully, a mother’s body is very in tune with her baby’s needs. So, it’s generally best to nurse whenever your little one wants to and often your body will be able to produce what’s needed. However, if you feel this isn’t the case, it’s always best to consult a doctor or lactation consultant.

Nursing or pumping often is the best way to maintain supply and ensure your baby is getting all the breast milk they need. And while many moms find cluster feeding difficult to manage, you should know that over time this too shall pass as your baby will nurse less often and for less time, especially after introducing solid foods.