How does Babywearing Fit into the Cluster Feeding Picture?

Let's explore a common parenting frustration—that presents in the early months—and how babywearing could make daily life easier during this time.

Cluster Feeding

It’s normal for babies to cluster feed (several short bursts of feeding in a short span of time); typically, this happens in the evening 🌙. This often involves some (or a lot of) fussing and crying 😢 - for all involved parties. Sometimes, this is followed by a longer sleep cycle, but as with all things baby, it's not a guarantee.

So, what does this have to do with babywearing?

Well, for one, it can be very frustrating to have a baby cycle on and off of feeding and attempt to do anything else 🤯. And in the evenings there are usually other things to do. And second, if your client doesn’t have a frame of reference for how normal this is, then they can start to second guess themselves.

A commonly suggested coping technique is to use a baby carrier and feed in the baby carrier during this time. I’m going to insert some caution here ⚠️. Check out this blog post to understand how combining babywearing and breastfeeding is a whole new skill - a third skill - that should only be put together after mastery of the other skills. This new skill might need some help mastering.

In reality, if you’re trying to get things done and you have a baby that is cluster feeding, the continual loosening/lowering of the baby with a quick follow-up to reposition and retighten is likely to be met with some protestation by baby and tedious for the wearer 💤. As such, it might make it less likely to happen. Hence, caution is advised.

So then, how does babywearing help in this moment?

Ah ha! I have some thoughts 💡.

Another person/caregiver?

• If there’s another person your client trusts to carry the baby in the evening, let them help out. Then, suggest your client check in occasionally, tend to the baby, and then give baby back to the other caregiver to carry for a while.
• Ask them to move or dance with the baby, hum, and gently pat them in a method the baby finds soothing 🎶.
• Or take a short walk outside if that is an option 🌳.

Wear baby earlier in the day.

• Another idea is to start wearing earlier in the day and more frequently. It doesn’t need to be for long stints of time. Aim for a half-hour session ⏰.
• Incorporate movement into those sessions — across all planes — i.e., bend down (bend the knees too), reach up and stretch back a little, walk, do gentle dancing moves, and talk to the baby 🩰.

Reduce swallowed air.

• Prepare your client to try to respond quickly to baby if they start to fuss or cry to reduce swallowed air. But because that can be challenging, suggest they wear the baby after a crying session to help them clear the air in their belly and intestines.

Beware comments from others and self.

• Share common comments your clients may get from others and how these comments may undermine their self-confidence. Especially if they ask, “Is baby getting enough milk?” or “Are you sure you make enough milk?” 🍼.
• Comments like these may already be on your clients' minds, and if another person says something similar, it can sabotage their confidence. A little forewarning can do a lot of damage control 🛡️.

Lean in and enjoy.

• Sometimes, leaning in and accepting the situation is best 😊. Perhaps your client can sit and just enjoy the cluster-feeding time. They can plan ahead for dinner, or maybe someone is around to bring dinner over or even cook it 🍽️.
• It might be nice to plant a seed that this is normal behavior on the part of the baby and will quickly be over, not only that evening but also in the weeks to come.

Ask your client, “What comes to mind for you that would make the evening easier?”

• Your clients know their lives the best. If they are in the throws of cluster-feeding, they may feel overwhelmed, but they are still resourceful individuals 💪. Asking them to consider what would make life easier is a great place to begin.
• If they are not in the throws of cluster feeding yet, all the better. You can help them prepare for what's coming and start with them.

We don’t have solid, research-based answers to why babies fuss in the evening, but knowing some coping techniques is helpful if and when it happens. If you can prepare your clients to watch for the cluster feeding pattern, they’ll have a few ideas about adjusting to this new routine. And they will know where to turn if and when they need some assistance 🆘.

Learn how to teach Babywearing at FOUNDATIONS in Babywearing Education Training

Be an advocate and join the NEWBORN Babywearing Support Training. 

We think both training are best taken together -  Foundations and then Newborn Training get your special combo deal here.