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Maybe you have heard of it before it happened to you. Or maybe you're in the middle of it, you've tried everything and you're thinking: could it be an adjustment day? In the first six months, your child will have an adjustment day several times. A short period in which there is more need for milk. And you will notice!
It is one of those wisdoms that can be put on a tile when you become a father or mother of a little one. "Every time you think you're there, you can start all over again." And that certainly applies to the adjustment days. The rhythm of drinking and sleeping suddenly seems to drop. You don't understand what's going on. Nothing seems right and your little one is out of his mind. What are you doing wrong? Well, don't worry, nothing. Every now and then an adjustment day is just part of it. Logical even when you grow.
You can recognize adjustment days by a restless, crying baby. The need to drink is suddenly much greater.
What are adjustment days?
Adjustment days are a nice trick of mother nature. You probably know them from breastfeeding, but they also occur with bottle feeding. There are a number of times when the amount of milk needs to be increased to satisfy that little growing body. More nutrients are often needed during a development spurt. There is hunger! This means that your baby asks for the breast or bottle more often. Or maybe finish drinking faster and don't seem to have enough. Feeding more or more often creates a new balance.
When can you expect adjustment days?
We can't say it often enough: every child is different. But roughly, adjustment days occur in the following periods:
- in the 2nd week (day 10-14)
- with 3 weeks
- at 6 weeks
- at 3 months
- at 6 months
How can you recognize Adjustment days?
Especially the first day of regulation can come as a bit of a surprise. This is often just at the end of your maternity care period. You are alone and your contented baby suddenly turns into an inconsolable creature, what now? It is logical that you can be insecure about this. You can recognize an adjustment day by a restless, crying baby. The need to drink is much greater and when docking or giving the bottle, your child really continues to drink. Because of the restlessness and hunger, it can also wake up more often. Or need more hugs.
Adjustment breastfeeding days
If you are breastfeeding, the amount of milk is well adjusted to the demand of your little one. Especially when feeding on demand. If your child suddenly needs more food due to a development spurt, you will also have to increase your production. By latching on or expressing more often, you and your little one will get back on track after a few days.
You may also have less milk for one or a few days. For example because you are not fit, busy or tense. Even then, your little one will want to drink more often to refuel.
Adjustment bottle feeding days
The same applies to bottle feeding where you use formula. But a scoop or sip is of course arranged faster. During adjustment days it is best to bottle feed a little more than your schedule indicates. Do not do this for too long, as your baby may gain too much weight. If in doubt, ask our maternity care professionals for advice.
Do you notice that it is not really drinking from the bottle, but more sucking? Then it's not about hunger, but more about sucking. A pacifier can help. Or a teat with a smaller hole, so that the bottle is not empty before the need for sucking has been satisfied.
Clustering and regulation days
Have you heard of clustering and wonder what it is? On adjustment days, your child is upset for a few days. With clustering, there is only a moment in the day when your little one is restless and wants to drink more. Or faster after the previous feeding. For many children this is in the evening. Perhaps out of a need to be close to you after a day full of impressions. Or because your breastfeeding is less 'fat' in the evening than just after a night's sleep. If you give in to this, you will soon have a satisfied baby again. And with breastfeeding you don't have to worry about giving 'too much'.
Tips for you on adjustment days
An adjustment day also demands something from you. Such a little one that is not feeling well takes extra time and energy from you. Breastfeeding or expressing also requires extra nutrients from your body. If possible, take a step back on those days. Be honest with visitors if it's too much for you. Eat well, but also prepare something sweet or tasty for yourself. And feel free to shout to everyone: sorry, but I have an adjustment day!
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