Full Feeds, Snack Feeds, and Cluster Feeding
What kind of eater is your baby and is it affecting their sleep? In today’s blog, I will define full feeds, snack feeds, and cluster feeding. I will also explain how each of these types of feeds may be affecting your baby’s sleep.
Does the way my baby eats matter?
Is the way your baby is eating affecting their sleep? Yes, it could be! Prioritizing nice full feeds during the day is always one of the first tips I give new parents. Ensuring your baby is taking in full feeds every 2-3 hours during the day can help stretch their naps and the time they sleep at night.
So, what exactly is a full feed?
Every baby is different. I am not going to give you an exact amount of ounces your baby should eat at each feed or how many minutes of nursing your baby should complete before ending the feed. Please chat with your pediatrician if you are not sure your baby is getting enough to eat.
Instead of worrying about an exact number, keep an eye out for these signs to know if your baby is taking in full feeds:
Does your baby show signs of being full and satisfied after their feed? Is their body relaxed? Has their sucking slowed down? Are they starting to turn away or seem disinterested, etc?
Is your baby gaining weight normally?
Is your baby content between feeds and can go 2-3 hours before needing another feed?
Why is it important to prioritize full feeds?
First, full feeds help ensure your baby is taking in enough calories during the day. This can allow your baby to start to consolidate their nighttime sleep. While it is normal for your baby to have feeds in the middle of the night for quite a while, we want to make sure they are getting most of their calories in during the day so they aren’t reverse-cycling (feeding more at night and less during the day).
Full feedings can also help you understand your baby’s fussiness and cries. If your baby took in a full feed and then is getting fussy 60 minutes later, they are most likely tired, not hungry.
Full feeds can also help your baby feel happier and more content during their awake time. Your baby can feel more satisfied and comfortable in between their feeds.
What is snacking?
Snacking is when babies get in the habit of taking in small feeds frequently. This can look something like baby taking an ounce or two, then another ounce an hour later, then maybe another ounce or two an hour after that, and so on.
While this may eventually get your baby the same amount of calories in a 24-hour period as full feeds, babies stuck on a snacking cycle often take short naps and have more frequent night wake-ups.
What about cluster feeding?
Now you may be wondering if cluster feeding counts as “snacking”. Cluster feeding and snacking are different. There may be times during the day when feeds are closer together. This can happen for both breastfed and bottle fed babies and it typically occurs in the evening. This type of feeding is called cluster feeding and it is normal. If your baby eats more frequently at one time of the day, don’t worry about starting the habit of snacking. A baby on a snacking schedule is going to have small frequent feeds all day long.
How do I break the cycle of snacking?
First, let me say that I will never tell you to put your baby on a strict feeding schedule or to make your baby wait to eat even if they are hungry. If your baby is hungry, feed them. If your baby is cluster feeding, feed them.
But if you are ready to move away from snack feeding all day long, here are a few tips:
Keep your baby awake while they eat. It can be really tricky to keep a baby awake while they eat, especially during the first couple of months. When your baby is ready for a feed, unswaddle them and undress them down to their diaper. You can gently tap on them, wiggle their limbs, and talk to them while they eat. Keep them awake for as long as you can to finish their feed before they pass out.
Feeding on-demand does not mean feeding your baby every time they whimper. Of course, you should feed your baby when they are hungry. But take note that parents often confuse tiredness and hunger in the newborn months.
Look out for hunger cues. Putting their fist in their mouth, smacking their lips, and rooting around are a few signs to keep an eye out for.
See if you can start stretching the time between feeds by just 20-30 minutes at first. You want your baby hungry enough to take in a full feed. They most likely won’t take a full feed if they just ate 60 minutes ago.
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