Crying is a late sign of hunger.
Can you tell when your child is hungry or satisfied?
Sounds and movements are examples of ways babies who can’t talk communicate their hunger or satiety cues. Crying is a late sign of hunger. Getting to know your child’s signs of feeding are important to help you know when and how often to feed your child especially when they can’t talk.
Below are examples of signs babies show for hunger and fullness fullness respectively from a new born to 5 months of age;
- Restlessness
- Opening mouth and turning head side to side
- Putting his/her tongue out
- Suckling on fingers and fists.
- Turns head towards breast
- Smiles, coos and gazes at the caregiver during feeding.
While satiety cues are;
. The baby relaxes
. Turns the head away from the breast
. Falls asleep
. Seals the lips
. Decreases suckling or stops
. Obstructs the mouth with their hands.
Children are different so not all signs will manifest in your child. As you learn your child, keep these signs at the back of your head and observe for any new signs shown.
“Always remember your child has the innate ability to determine when they are hungry or satisfied, desist from force feeding”
Nutritionist || Dietician Aunt Porridge.
