Newborns can’t tell you when they are hungry, which can make feeding time stressful for parents. If a baby isn’t fed on time, they may become fussy, cry, or struggle to settle down. But before reaching that stage, babies give early signs that they need to eat.
As a mommy, If you can get these signs and hunger cues, like rooting, sucking on hands, or making small noises, you can feed your baby before they become upset. Understanding these signals will help keep your baby calm, happy, and well-fed.
How to Know If Your Newborn Is Hungry? 5 Signs
Newborns give many signs when they are hungry. These cues start mild and get stronger if they are not fed soon. Look out for these common hunger signs:
1. Rooting
When a baby turns their head and opens their lips to look for food, this is known as rooting. If you gently stroke your baby’s cheek, they may automatically turn toward your hand and try to latch onto it. This reflex is a clear sign that they are looking for milk.
If you are holding your baby and their head keeps bobbing against your chest, they might be trying to find the breast or bottle.
2. Sucking on Hands or Fingers
Babies naturally explore the world with their hands, but when they start sucking on their fingers, fists, or even objects nearby, it often means they are hungry.
If your newborn is calmly sucking their thumb, it might be a sign they are soothing themselves. But if they are doing it constantly and seem restless, you should feed them.
3. Lip Smacking
If your baby is making sucking noises, licking their lips, or moving their mouth as if they are trying to drink, it’s a sign they are ready to eat.
Some babies may even start sticking their tongues out repeatedly. This behavior is common just before a feeding session, especially if your baby is already familiar with their feeding routine.
4. Fussing or Whimpering
When a baby is hungry, they don’t always scream. Sometimes, they start by making small whimpering noises, grunting, or fussing.
If your baby seems unsettled, is wriggling in your arms, or is making soft cries, try offering a feed before they become too upset. The earlier you respond to these cues, the easier it will be to calm them down.
5. Crying (Late Hunger Cue)
Your infant has likely been hungry for some time because crying is typically the final indication of hunger. When babies reach this stage, they may become very distressed, making it harder for them to latch onto the breast or bottle.
If your baby is crying loudly, turning red, or arching their back, try to soothe them first before feeding. Rocking them gently or offering skin-to-skin contact can help them relax so they can feed properly.
Read more: Effective Tips to Feed Your Newborn Baby
Signs Your Newborn is Hungry While Sleeping
Babies don’t always wake up fully when they are hungry. Here are signs your baby might need a feed while still asleep:
- Moving Their Hands to Their Mouth
- Sucking Movements in Their Sleep
- Stirring or Wiggling
- Making Small Whimpering Sounds
If you notice these signs, you can gently wake your baby to feed before they start crying.
How to Tell If Your Baby is Still Hungry After Feeding
Sometimes, even after a feeding session, your baby might still need more milk. The following are indicators that your infant is still hungry:
- Sucking on Their Hands
- Getting upset just after feeding and sobbing when you remove the breast or bottle
- Fussing Soon After a Feed
- Crying When You Take the Bottle or Breast Away
If you notice these signs, try offering more milk or breastfeeding again to ensure they are full.
Signs That Your Baby is Full (Breastfeeding and Bottle-Feeding)
Just as babies show hunger signs, they also give signals when they are full. Be mindful of these signs:
- Moving Away from the Bottle or Breast
- Slowing Down Sucking
- Closing Their Mouth
- Relaxed Hands and Arms
- Falling Asleep After Feeding
When your baby shows these signs, it’s okay to stop feeding.
Signs of Newborn Hunger at Different Ages
Newborns’ hunger cues change as they grow. We have shared an analysis at different ages:
2 Months Old
Your baby is more active sucking on hands, and they make small noises to get attention. Moreover, the babies cry if they are not fed on time.
3 Months Old
At 3 months old, your baby has a stronger rooting reflex. They suck on their fingers or even objects nearby. Plus, they are more alert and make eye contact while they feed.
6 Months Old
At 6 months old, your baby opens their mouth when food is near, and they try to grab food or their bottles. They get more interested in solid foods.
Signs of Overfeeding
Overfeeding can make babies uncomfortable. Look out for these signs:
- Spitting up frequently
- Gassiness or bloating
- Crying after feeding (even when full)
- Refusing the next feed
You are Not Alone, Mama! We Support You!
Breastfeeding might be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. The caring experts at Tongue Tie Phoenix are here to guide you with gentle support and expert advice. Reach out to our Lactation Consultant and let’s make your feeding journey easier because you and your baby deserve it.
People Also Ask
How can I tell whether my baby is hungry?
Your baby will show hunger signs like rooting (turning their head to look for food), sucking on hands, making lip-smacking sounds, or fussing. Since crying is a symptom of late hunger, try to feed them before they become too agitated.
Is my baby hungry or just want comfort?
If your baby is truly hungry, they will show signs like rooting, sucking, and fussing. If they just want comfort, they may suck gently without swallowing, relax quickly when held, or settle with rocking or a pacifier.
What are hand signs for a hungry baby?
Hungry babies often bring their hands to their mouths, suck on their fingers, or clench their fists while feeding. These are natural ways they show they are ready to eat.
What symptoms indicate that a baby is being overfed?
Overfed babies may spit up a lot, seem fussy after eating, or have gas and bloating. They may also refuse their next feed because they are too full.
