Most new moms may ask themselves, “Is my baby hungry?” and “What is a good time to feed my baby?” Finding the answer to all of these questions is easy. With a bit of research, you will be able to identify the baby hunger cues your little one gives out to let you know they are hungry. So, rather than worrying about when to feed your baby or how much to feed your baby, it’s a good idea to feed your baby only when they are hungry. Keep an eye on your baby’s behavior by considering the hunger cues we’ve mentioned in this article.
Different Baby Hunger Cues
Most parents think that crying is a hunger signal. But it is a late hunger cue. The baby shows many more cues early on. If you can pick those early hunger cues, it will be easier for you to feed the little one. Below is a list of baby hunger cues that should look for (1) (2) (3).
Early Hunger Cues
Licking lips or smacking is the first sign of hunger. Sucking on hands, lips, toes, clothes, toys, and fingers. Opening and closing the mouth. Sticking the tongue out. Moving the head from side to side as if looking for something. This movement is called the rooting reflex. During the first weeks of birth, when you stroke the baby’s cheek, the baby turns toward the breast or bottle, as a natural reflex. They make sucking motions with their mouths. Rooting turns into a voluntary action after the babies turn four months old.
Active Hunger Cues
Trying to get into a feeding position by pulling on your clothes. Turning the head towards the chest of the one carrying the baby. Increased leg and arm movement. Breathing fast or fussing. Squirming or fidgeting. Waking up from sleep and falling asleep again in quick successions. Displaying discomfort, making whining sounds, and grunts. Hitting on your chest or arm constantly. A hungry baby may continue showing interest in sucking even after finishing the first breast. It indicates that the little one wants more. Babies older than four months may even smile while breastfeeding, indicating their interest in continuing.
Late Hunger Cues
Moving the head frantically from one side to the other. Crying is the last sign. Calm down the crying baby before feeding. Offer skin-to-skin contact first, and then start feeding when they are relatively calm.
Here are the hunger cues to note (3): Source: CDC
Benefits Of Following Hunger Cues
Instead of feeding your child randomly based on time gaps, it is always good to look for the cues they give. It will benefit you in more than one of these ways (4):
Helps you get to know your baby well. Ensures smooth breastfeeding. Satisfies the little one’s hunger and thirst. Encourages your baby to trust you. Gives you confidence. Builds a positive feeding relationship between you and the baby. Keeps up the milk supply.
How To Know When Your Baby Is Full?
Once your baby is full and satisfied, they show signs that it is done. Fullness cues include (3):
Closing lips Turning the head away from the food source Stopping or slowing down sucking (if the baby is breastfeeding) Falling asleep, looking calm and relaxed Spits out the nipple or food.
A baby older than four months may start looking around and seem distracted.
The little one can have a feed if they are hungry. If you are breastfeeding, your milk supply will increase. It can reassure and comfort your baby.
If your baby has regularly been nursing yet seems fussy, check for other problems such as discomfort from gas or tummy ache. If your baby is crying relentlessly and refusing to suck, consult your doctor urgently. Babies also tend to feed more during growth spurts, which last two to three days. A growth spurt usually happens at around two to three weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months.
