cluster feeding at 5 months?

llizzyb · August 2012

DS is 5 months and eats every 2.5-3 hrs during the day, and normally once at night. Bedtime is at 7-7:30 p.m., and he starts the day about 6:30 or 7 a.m. I feed him when he wakes around 3-5 a.m.

Lately he's been wanting to cluster feed in the evenings from about 4:30 on, about every hour. Is this normal/ok? He gets so fussy at this time of day that if it keeps him happy I'm okay with it, but I don't want to overfeed, either, if he's not really hungry. I guess I'm just surprised that at his age we're back at cluster feeding. Is he tanking up for the night? I know my milk supply is much lower in the afternoon and evening.

FWIW, he's 75th percentile in weight and 50th in height, so weight gain has never been a problem.

Also, I work two days a week outside the home and totally understand why he eats so often in the evenings when I get home those days. I'm posting more about the other days where I'm home with him all day long.