Understanding Your Baby's Cues: Hunger Signs and Feeding Frequency

Feeding your baby can be one of the most beautiful moments you share, but let’s be honest, it can also be a little overwhelming. As a new parent, you might be asking yourself: “Is my baby hungry?” “Am I feeding them enough?” “How often should I be feeding?” Don’t worry—you’re not alone! These are questions every new parent has, and we’re here to help guide you through the process, so you can feed your little one with confidence and ease.

Recognising Hunger Cues in Newborns

Your baby might not be able to talk just yet, but they sure have their own way of letting you know when they're ready to eat. Figuring out your baby’s hunger cues can make feeding time much smoother for both of you. Plus, knowing what to look for can help you stay ahead of the game and avoid those late-night meltdowns.

Early Hunger Cues:

• Rooting Reflex: Ever notice your baby turning their head towards anything that brushes their cheek? That’s the rooting reflex at work! It’s one of the earliest signs that your little one is looking for some food.
• Lip Smacking and Sucking: Babies might start smacking their lips or making sucking noises, indicating they are ready to feed.
• Hand-to-Mouth Movements: If you notice your little one bringing their hands to their mouth or sucking on their fingers, it's a sign they might be getting hungry.

Active Hunger Cues:

• Fidgeting and Squirming: As your little one gets more hungry, they might start to get a bit more wiggly, moving around in their cot or in your arms.
• Rooting Around: If you’re holding your baby, they might start rooting around on your chest, searching for the breast.

• Crying: Crying is more a late hunger cue and can be distressing for both the baby and the parent. It’s best to try to feed your baby before they reach this stage, as it can make latching onto the breast or bottle more difficult due to the baby being upset.

Understanding these cues is crucial because responding to early and active hunger signs can help make feeding more successful and less stressful. It’s great to try and always be one step ahead of the game, managing those early hunger cues before they turn into crying!

How Often Should You Feed Your Baby?

Understanding feeding frequency for newborns can help with your expectations of managing newborn life! Feeding frequency can vary widely among newborns, but there are some general guidelines that can help:

Newborns (0-2 Months):

• Frequency: Newborns typically feed every 2-3 hours, which translates to about 8-12 feedings in a 24-hour period. It’s a lot, but all that feeding is helping them grow strong and healthy!
• Duration: Each feeding session can last from 20 to 45 minutes, though this can vary depending on the baby's needs and the mother’s milk supply. Just let your baby lead the way—they’ll let you know when they’re full.

Infants (2-6 Months):

• Frequency: As babies grow, their stomachs can hold more milk, which may allow them to go longer between feedings. Generally, you might see a feeding pattern of every 3-4 hours.
• Duration: This may get shorter because your baby is becoming a pro at feeding!

Older Infants (6-12 Months):

• Frequency: By this age, babies usually have a more predictable feeding schedule, with about 4-5 feedings in a 24-hour period.
• Introduction of Solids: Around 6 months, solid foods are introduced, which might naturally reduce the frequency of milk feeds. However, milk remains a significant part of their diet.

For more information on how to know if your baby is getting enough milk, you can check out this helpful video from our feeding series with our expert midwife, Emma! 

Responsive Feeding

Ever heard of responsive feeding, or feeding on demand? It’s all about listening to your baby and feeding them when they show signs of hunger, rather than sticking to a strict schedule. This approach has some great benefits:

• Promotes Healthy Weight Gain: Feeding on demand ensures that your baby gets the nutrition they need, which supports healthy weight gain and growth.
• Encourages Milk Production: Frequent feeding stimulates milk supply—your body will produce what your baby needs, as milk production works on a supply-and-demand basis.
• Strengthens Bonding: Responding to your baby’s needs helps to build a strong emotional bond and fosters a sense of security and trust.

Practical Tips for Successful Feeding

• Create a Calm Feeding Environment: Try to find a quiet, cosy spot for feeding. Reducing distractions can help both you and your baby focus and enjoy the moment.
• Skin-to-Skin Contact: Skin-to-skin contact can be incredibly soothing for babies and can stimulate their feeding instincts. It also helps regulate their body temperature and supports emotional bonding.
• Comfortable Positioning: Ensure both you and your baby are in a comfortable position during feeding. This might take some experimentation to find what works best, depending on how you’re feeding your baby and what they (and you) like best! 
• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: For breastfeeding mothers, staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet is essential for milk production. Keep water and nutritious snacks within reach, especially during those frequent night feeds.

When to seek help

Sometimes, even with the best intentions, feeding can be tricky. If you’re worried about your baby’s feeding, growth, or anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. It’s always better to ask and get the support you need if you’re concerned about your baby’s weight gain with a healthcare professional. They can assess your baby’s feeding and provide guidance tailored to your situation. While many feeding challenges can be managed with patience and support, there are times when it’s essential to seek professional help. Contact your midwife, health visitor, or GP if you notice any of the following:

• Your baby is not gaining weight or is losing weight.
• Your baby has fewer than six wet nappies a day after the first week.
• Your baby is consistently fussy or seems unsatisfied after feedings.
• You experience persistent pain during or after breastfeeding.

Feeding your baby is a journey, and it changes as your baby grows. By tuning into your baby’s hunger cues and feeding them responsively, you’re helping them off to a great start in life. And remember, every baby is unique—what works for one might not work for another. Trust your instincts, be kind to yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You’ve got this!

Sources:

• NHS Start For Life: https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/feeding-your-baby/
• NCT Feeding:   https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/feeding/early-days/my-baby-getting-enough-milk-breastfeeding-or-formula