5 Things You Need to Know About Cluster Feeding

Cluster feeding refers to a newborn's feeding pattern. Basically, many newborns will group their feedings together, putting little time between them. After several feedings, they'll take a longer break between feedings and then go back to cluster feeding. This is normal for the first days while a breastfeeding mother is building up the milk supply and in many cases, the baby will cluster feed for the first few weeks of life. It's important you listen to your baby's needs for food, rather than the clock. If your baby's hungry, he needs to eat. Cluster feeding is common in early mornings and late afternoon times. While cluster feeding is more common in breastfeeding babies, bottle fed babies will also cluster feed. Some babies are also crankier during cluster feeding episodes.

Listen to your baby's needs for food, rather than the clock. (Image: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images)

Cluster feeding refers to a newborn's feeding pattern. Basically, many newborns will group their feedings together, putting little time between them. After several feedings, they'll take a longer break between feedings and then go back to cluster feeding. This is normal for the first days while a breastfeeding mother is building up the milk supply and in many cases, the baby will cluster feed for the first few weeks of life. It's important you listen to your baby's needs for food, rather than the clock. If your baby's hungry, he needs to eat. Cluster feeding is common in early mornings and late afternoon times. While cluster feeding is more common in breastfeeding babies, bottle fed babies will also cluster feed. Some babies are also crankier during cluster feeding episodes.