As a new parent, there's nothing more rewarding than watching your little one grow. Every movement, every sound, every expression - they all tell a story. But these precious moments can also raise lots of questions. As your baby’s primary caregiver, one of the most critical skills you need to master is learning to interpret your child's non-verbal cues accurately. One such key signal is the early signs of hunger in newborns.
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll delve deep into the world of hunger signs in infants— from understanding early cues to your infant's feeding schedules, quantities, and how to ensure your baby is getting enough nutrition. If you have been asking yourself the question, 'how often should your newborn eat?', you have come to the right place, we have all the answers for you. With this information at hand, you'll be able to navigate this exciting journey of parenthood with confidence and certainty.
Recognizing Early Signs of Hunger in Newborns
What are Common Hunger Signs in Infants?
Often, crying is seen as a telltale sign that a baby is hungry. This assumption isn't entirely wrong but by the time your baby cries out of hunger, they may already be very uncomfortable and agitated. Babies usually give several earlier cues that they're ready for a feed before resorting to crying.
The first step towards ensuring that your baby is well-fed is learning these early hunger signs in infants. Here are some common ones you can look out for:
Increased activity: If your baby seems wide awake and more active than usual, it could mean that they're thinking about their next meal.
Turning their head: Your newborn might turn their head from side to side or towards the breast, chest or bottle as if looking for food.
Mouth movements: Watch for signs like opening and closing their mouth, sucking motions (even without a pacifier), smacking their lips, drooling more, or sticking out their tongue.
Hand movements: Sucking on their fingers, hands, or clothing and clenching their hands into fists could mean they're getting a bit impatient waiting for their feed.
Visual cues: If your baby is staring at you and following you around the room with their eyes – especially if you’re the one who usually feeds them – it could mean they're hungry.
Distressed expressions: A furrowed brow or a distressed look might be your baby's way of asking, "When are we eating?"
Understanding Dunstan Baby Language
According to Dunstan Baby Language, a method developed by mother and musician Priscilla Dunstan, specific sounds made by babies just before crying can signal different needs. For instance, making the sound “neh” indicates they're hungry.
Sleepy Head? Trust the Newborn's Natural Feeding Schedule!
If your little one seems to be dozing off longer than usual, it's useful to refer to a feeding chart or guide for newborns. There's a general rule that new babies should not regularly sleep for 4 hours or more at a time.
If your baby seems to love their sleep more than feeding, consult with your pediatrician about whether you should wake them up gently for feeding.
Making Sure That Your Baby is Eating Enough
Feeding time is heartwarming but can also be stressful. One common concern among parents, especially those who are breastfeeding exclusively, is whether the baby is getting enough milk. Be assured that babies quickly learn how to signal when they need more milk. Your main task will then be getting your little one ready to latch on whenever you spot your infant's hunger signs.
Frequency of Feeding
In the early days of life, a newborn will feed often - usually every 2 to 3 hours and sometimes more often. According to the generally acceptable newborn feeding schedule, they should feed up to 12 times every 24 hours. Remember, this frequent sucking is essential as it signals your body to produce more milk for your ravenous little one.
Monitoring Growth
Babies' stomachs grow rapidly. At birth, a newborn's stomach is the size of a cherry. By day 3, it grows to the size of a walnut, by one week - that of a plum, and by one month - it's comparable to a large chicken egg (essentially increases depending on their feeding amount). This growth means that although your baby will still need frequent feeds, they'll be able to take in more milk each time you nurse or feed them. Over time, this might mean longer intervals between feeds.
Signs That Your Baby is Full
Recognizing when your baby is full is crucial for their health and comfort. There are several hunger cues to look out for as well as those that indicate your little one has had enough to eat. Firstly, they might release or push away the breast or bottle, signaling that they're satisfied. Additionally, if they close their mouth and don't respond to attempts to encourage them to latch on or suck again, it's likely they're full.
Observing their hand movements can also provide insight; if their hands are open and relaxed rather than clenched, it's a good indicator that they're content. Moreover, their body language can reveal a lot; a relaxed body, sometimes even going a bit limp, suggests satiety.
Another sign is when they start looking around and showing interest in other activities, like playing, instead of solely focusing on feeding. Lastly, a content expression, perhaps accompanied by a smile or appearing happily drowsy, indicates that they're ready for sleep and have had enough to eat. Being attentive to these signs ensures that your baby is properly nourished and comfortable after feeding sessions.
Regular Check-ups and Weight Gain
Regular checkups with your baby’s pediatrician include weigh-ins where your baby's weight will be compared against standard charts for babies. The expected weight gain when a baby is feeding right is about 5.5 to 8.5 ounces (155 to 240 grams) every week for the first four months of life.
However, don't be alarmed if some weeks see more weight gain than others; fluctuations are entirely normal. As long as your baby is steadily gaining weight (and growing longer) overall, they're feeding just fine. If you notice any sudden or drastic changes in your baby's weight or feeding habits, consult with your pediatrician immediately.
How to Know If Your Baby is Not Eating Enough?
Understanding whether your baby is getting enough nourishment is crucial for their growth and well-being. Here are some signs to watch for that may indicate your infant isn't consuming adequate amounts of food. Firstly, if your infant is consistently irritable or fussy, it could be a sign of hunger due to insufficient feeding.
Similarly, frequent crying, especially after feeding sessions, might suggest they're still hungry. Monitor their weight gain; if they're not gaining weight at a healthy rate or are losing weight, it could indicate inadequate nutrition. Pay attention to their feeding patterns; if they consistently feed for very short periods or fall asleep quickly during feeds, they may not be getting enough milk or formula.
Additionally, if they're not having enough wet diapers (around six or more a day for infants), it could be a sign of dehydration from insufficient feeding. Lastly, observe their energy levels; if your baby seems unusually lethargic or lacks interest in activities, it could be a sign of hunger and inadequate calorie intake. Consulting with a pediatrician is advisable if you notice any of these signs to ensure your baby receives appropriate care and nutrition.
Let Your Baby's Hunger Guide You!
Learning the ins and outs of infant hunger signs in your infants is an essential skill for any parent. Recognize early hunger signs in infants from increased activity, unusual mouth and hand movements to visual cues, helps keep your newborn content and thriving. Establishing a regular feeding schedule, ensuring your baby is eating enough and understanding when they're full are key aspects of this process. Regular health check-ups are vital to monitor your baby's growth and ensure they're gaining weight steadily.
As a part of its commitment to supporting parents on their beautiful journey of raising their children, Raising Superstars offers innovative, screen-free programs like the Prodigy Framework™. They provide activity guides, expert coaching and a supportive parent community that fosters comprehensive child development. Embrace these resources along with your instinctive understanding of your child’s needs, and you're well on your way to raising a happy, healthy superstar!
