This archive report was first published on 15 July 2020.
Common signs your baby is hungry ¶
As a parent, it's essential to understand the cues your baby sends to indicate they're hungry. These cues can be subtle, and it's not always easy to spot them, especially since babies are different and the signals can vary.
One of the earliest signs of hunger is when your baby starts to move their arms and legs around to get your attention. They might be calm at this stage, but they'll constantly suck on their lips, and their instincts will kick in to grab your attention.
Another early sign is when your baby brings their hands towards their mouth and sucks on their fingers or fists. This reflex movement shows that they're trying to locate some milk or food.
As your baby gets hungrier, they'll start to become fussy and irritable. They might make faces or sounds to indicate feeding time, and their head will start bobbing when you carry them. If you don't feed them on time, they'll graduate to crying, and you might have to calm them down first before they can feed.
It's essential to master the early and late signs of a hungry baby to avoid the fussing and crying. Don't wait until they're really hungry to feed them. By paying attention to these cues, you can ensure your baby is fed on time and stays happy and content.
Interestingly, this is still something that even adults do. You know that feeling of excitement when you see the food you ordered on the way to your table. Babies have the same reaction when they see or smell food when they're hungry. They might look at the food, smile or even reach for it.
By being more observant and paying attention to these cues, you can ensure your baby is fed on time and stays happy and content. Remember, it's not just about feeding them when they're hungry, but also about understanding their needs and responding to their cues.
