Every mother wants to be sure that babies hunger is fed and content and no one would ever want their baby to be hungry. Unfortunately, all of the babies cannot tell us if they are hungry with words, but babies do have hunger cues which can help you to give your baby what he or she needs. Most of the parents will assume that if their baby is crying it means that baby is hungry, however, baby crying is actually a late hunger signal and your baby will definitely let you know that they are not happy about it! While sometimes it can’t be avoided, one has to rely on baby crying to make him feed.Also, it happens if you are waiting till then baby refuse to eat.
Actually, feeding can be very stressful for new parents, as they do not want their babies to go hungry, and on the other hand, they fear over-feeding their baby. It is normal to ask yourself,‘am I doing this right?’and struggle to find the right balance.
If parent suspect that their baby is hungry but you are unsure, there is no harm in offering an extra feed. Mainly, if you are breastfeeding, by putting your baby to the breast not only feeds your baby if he or she is hungry, but it helps your breastmilk supply and can comfort and reassure your baby.
Most of the babies give a lot of subtle cues that they are ready to feed, long before they begin to cry from rooting with their mouths to making sucking noises and trying to suck on their fists, as well as little noises.
Cues or cry that your baby is hungry
Not all babies tell you in the same way that they are feeling hungry, but the majority of the babies show some of these common signs of hunger.
Sucking on baby finger or fist
This is the most common and earliest sign of the babies to tell their mother that they are feeling hungry. They usually do this when they are awake and also hungry.
Lip Smacking
A large number of babies or infants do this while they are sleeping and hungry. But lip smacking does not always mean that your baby is hungry. Some babies do this regardless of being hungry.
Crying
This is a very late sign of hunger. By this time your baby is very hungry and because you have been unable to understand their other general hunger signals, the baby becomes very stressed and restless and at this point, they are essentially communicating unhappiness and stress. They tend to start crying at a lower pitch which slowly rises higher until you pick up your baby and start feeding.
Restlessness
Your baby might start moving their head, hands, and their legs. This could be one of the signs of a hungry baby, but not always it is necessary.
Waking up
Your baby might not be able to go into perfect deep sleep, or else they wake up frequently during the late night and open their mouth.
Rooting reflex
You will notice this rooting reflex very often during your baby’s first few days. Your baby will move to the feeder nipple or mother breast and start making sucking movements, as soon as you touch their face. Slowly, as your baby gets as older, they will learn to make this motion only when they feel hungry.
Opening mouth and smiling expressions
When the baby is interested in feeding, while they are hunger and they want more, they will smile during feeding and/or open their mouth wide to ask for more.
Generally, many of the health practitioners will tell you the standard requirements of your baby’s feeding needs, they can in fact show differ from baby to baby. It depends on how much energy a baby needs, which depends primarily upon the baby’s health. That is why the best way is to observe carefully and understand your baby’s signs of hunger and fullness.
Once you understand your baby’s cues or cry, it becomes much easier to manage baby’s feeding schedule. Moreover, it helps to improve your baby’s physical and mental health. On the other hand, if parents are unable to understand their baby’s cues, it not only confuses the baby but it will also end up either over feeding their baby or leaving their baby hungry when they actually need energy.
