Copyright 2012 . Sarah Toohey, All Rights Reserved.
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Signs of Infant Hunger
Babies should be fed on demand. This means feeding your infant whenever he or she exhibits signs of hunger. While breastfeeding may keep you busy during the first few weeks to months, it does not have to be stressful. Recognizing the early signs of hunger can help keep your baby happy and calm. Nursing your infant in response to early feeding cues allows an opportunity to practice positioning and latching technique while minimizing frustration and crying in your infant. The key is to watch your baby for signs of hunger and not the clock.
Early signs of hunger
Babies should be fed on demand. This means feeding your infant whenever he or she exhibits signs of hunger. While breastfeeding may keep you busy during the first few weeks to months, it does not have to be stressful. Recognizing the early signs of hunger can help keep your baby happy and calm. Nursing your infant in response to early feeding cues allows an opportunity to practice positioning and latching technique while minimizing frustration and crying in your infant. The key is to watch your baby for signs of hunger and not the clock.
Early signs of hunger
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Side to side movements of the head
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Hand to mouth movements (chewing or sucking on hands)
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Opening the mouth
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Sticking out tongue
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Smacking lips
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Sucking
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Rooting Reflex: baby will open mouth and move head in response to cheek being stroked
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Moving of eyes, arms, or legs during sleep
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Late signs of hunger
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Frustration
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Crying
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Flailing arms and legs
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Signs that your baby is full
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Turning away from the breast
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Relaxation of the face, hands, and body
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Unlatching peacefully from the nipple
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Absence of hunger cues (The sucking reflex may occur immediately after unlatching from the nipple. In a satiated infant the sucking should slow. A hungry infant will persist and the sucking will become more intense.)
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It is important to note that infants under three months of age may fall asleep soon after latching on to the breast and may need assistance in staying awake to complete a feeding. Signs of satiety cannot be used as a measure of adequate intake. Weight gain and the number of bowel movements and wet diapers per day must be used in conjunction with the frequency and duration of feedings to evaluate milk consumption.
Sarah Toohey RN. September 2011.
Nutrition
Breastfeeding