One of the most challenging questions about caring for a baby is knowing when to feed them.
Although this answer is not black and white, there are ways that babies help us navigate their feeding needs. However, in the first few days to weeks, babies don’t always accurately display when they are hungry.
To ensure your baby is thriving in the first few days, feeding logs can help keep you on track. It is important to know expected intake and output for their age.
Typically, most babies will show you feeding cues around the time they get back to birthweight. The following information gives parents and caregivers feeding cues or signs that a baby is getting hungry or ready to feed. Be aware that pacifier use can mask these hunger cues.
Baby stages of hunger
Early hunger cues:
- Opens and closes mouth
- Sticks out tongue
- Puckers lips or makes sucking motion
- Roots or moves head from side to side as if looking for something
- Brings hands to mouth or face
- Fidgets and squirms
- Makes noises
Late hunger cues:
- Cries
- Moves head frantically side to side
While babies cry for various reasons, the hunger cry can usually be defined by its sound: short, low-pitched, and rising and falling. By the time your baby is wailing, you may have difficulty calming them and getting your baby to eat. If your baby gets to that point, first try some calming skin-to-skin contact before feeding.
It is best to avoid letting your baby get to the late hunger state before feeding them. If you are unsure if your baby is hungry, you may offer the breast or bottle. As you begin to learn your baby’s personality and behaviors, it should get easier to anticipate feeding readiness.
Baby’s needs can change
It is important that you work with your baby’s health care provider to ensure that they are meeting their nutritional needs for growth and development.
After you get familiar with your baby’s routine, keep in mind that your baby may change their feeding pattern as they encounter growth spurts, illness, breast milk supply changes, or many other factors. If you experience changes that concern you, it is best to contact your baby’s health care provider.
Sanford Health strives to offer support for every parent and family as you embark on your feeding journey. Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, or formula feeding, we are here to support you along the way. Learn more about lactation services.
Learn more
- Can you spoil a baby, or is that a myth?
- Learning to trust: Essential for baby’s development
- 5 breastfeeding FAQs for new moms
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Posted In Children's, Health Information, Parenting, Pregnancy
