Why Is My Baby Nursing So Often? Cluster Feeding and How to Get Through It

Just when you think you’re getting the hang of this whole breastfeeding thing, it happens—your once sleepy newborn suddenly seems very cranky and very hungry for hours on end. At times, it might feel like you’re nursing your baby non-stop, especially in the evening. If you feel like you’re nursing your baby constantly, it could be a sign of cluster feeding.

This can cause many new parents to worry that their baby isn’t getting enough milk, but it’s actually a normal part of their growth and development. Although frequent nursing can be difficult for new moms to deal with, it doesn’t last forever. Understanding why babies cluster feed and knowing what to expect can go a long way in helping you get through it.

What Is Cluster Feeding?

Cluster feeding is when your baby breastfeeds more often than usual over several hours, “clustering” their feeds close together. For a newborn, this might mean nursing every hour (or sometimes even every 30 minutes) instead of every 2–3 hours. In older babies who normally go for longer stretches without nursing, it could mean having less than two hours between feedings.

Many parents find that cluster feeding happens in the evening—AKA the “witching hour,” a time of day when babies are known to get fussy. However, newborn cluster feeding can happen around the clock in the first few days, when your milk is still beginning to come in. During this time, it’s normal for your baby to be fussy as they nurse on and off. After a few hours of your baby feeding frequently, it’s possible they may give you a longer stretch of sleep during the first part of the night.

Rest assured, all of this is completely normal and very common for breastfed newborns. Cluster feeding typically only lasts a few days at a time, so you’ll be back to your routine soon.

Why Do Babies Cluster Feed?

Babies can cluster feed at different times and for different reasons. If you have a cluster-feeding infant on your hands, here are a few possible reasons why:

●       Babies have tiny tummies that can’t hold much milk at once. This means they need to nurse often, especially in those early days.

●       At the end of the day, your baby might be tired and fussy. Many babies nurse for comfort and need to be close with mom at this time.

●       There’s a slight drop in milk supply that happens later in the day, when prolactin levels are lower. Your baby may need to nurse more often to feel full.

●       Your baby could be filling up on breast milk before bedtime. Many moms find their baby sleeps a bit longer at night after cluster feeding.

●       They might be going through a growth spurt. Cluster feeding often coincides with growth spurts, so if you notice your baby nursing a lot more for a few days, this could be why.

●       Frequent nursing helps to build and maintain your milk supply to adjust to your baby’s nutritional needs.

These are all common reasons for babies to cluster feed.

Note: Although it’s less likely, sometimes cluster feeding can be a sign of an issue like low milk supply or latching problems. If your baby’s cluster feeding goes on for an extended period of time, it’s always a good idea to reach out to your pediatrician or a lactation specialist.

Mom nursing her child wearing a breastfeeding top with zipper access. 

Cluster Feeding Timeline

If you’re in the midst of the newborn cluster feeding phase, you might be searching desperately for a definitive answer to the question, “How long does cluster feeding last?” We’ve been there, mama—you’re not alone.

There isn’t exactly a straightforward answer to this question, since babies tend to have their own timelines. (Sometimes I think they just like to keep us on our toes!) As soon as your baby is born, cluster feeding can start any time, and it can continue on and off during their first several months of life as they go through growth spurts and developmental phases.

The good news is that cluster feeding becomes less frequent as your baby gets older. Generally, babies cluster feed the most during their first 3–4 months, with it becoming less and less common over time. Keep in mind also that cluster feeding often only lasts for a few days at a time, so you won’t be breastfeeding 24/7 during their first few months.

One thing that we can tell you with absolute certainty is that this challenging phase does not last forever. Remember: This too shall pass!

How to Handle Cluster Feeding

Your baby is growing quickly during those first few months, and there will be times when it feels like you’re nursing constantly. We’ve been there, and we know how tired you are. Thankfully, that means we’ve also learned a thing or two about getting through it. 

Here are our best breastfeeding tips to survive cluster feeding:

1.    Get comfortable.

When my babies were cluster feeding, sometimes it felt like I was attached to the couch. I quickly learned to embrace it. Throw on your pajamas or a comfortable nursing tee, grab a blanket, and catch up on your streaming queue while you have the opportunity.

2.    Have snacks and drinks handy.

Don’t forget to take care of your own nutrition when you’re breastfeeding. This will help to keep your energy levels up and keep you from getting hangry. Grab a bottle of water and a few healthy packaged or prepared snacks to keep nearby before the witching hour starts—you’ll thank yourself later.

3.    Plan activities around cluster feeding.

While you might not want to plan your entire day around your baby’s nursing schedule, right now it might be the only way to keep your sanity. Pay attention to what time of day your little one nurses most frequently, and plan on being home at that time. This might mean moving playdates to an earlier time or putting housework on hold—but remember, it’s only temporary.

4.    Have dinner earlier.

Actually sitting down for a hot meal can become a rare occasion for new moms, and this is especially true when you can’t seem to get a break from nursing. Since many babies cluster feed and become fussy in the evening, moving dinner to an earlier time can help.

5.    Take shifts with your partner.

Caring for your baby is important, but so is caring for yourself! During cluster feeding (and anytime, really), allow yourself to take a 30 minute rest while your partner soothes your little one or offers a bottle. Your baby will be perfectly fine for that amount of time. Better yet, if you’re bottle feeding with expressed milk or formula, take turns caring for your baby for a couple of hours each.

6.    Try different nursing positions.

Depending on what nursing hold you typically use, you might find yourself becoming uncomfortable or sore during the longer, more frequent nursing sessions. Try some different nursing positions and make use of nursing pillows (or regular pillows) to help prop up your baby and your arms.

7.    Know when to ask for help.

Just because cluster feeding is normal, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask for help—it can be exhausting. If you feel yourself reaching a breaking point, recruit your partner, family members, older kids, or a trusted friend to help, so you can get a much-needed break. You absolutely deserve it.