Baby Knows How Much is Enough
During the first weeks of life, you will be getting to know what baby’s signals are for being hungry and being full. This is something that you will need to learn. Each baby is different.
When baby cries, baby might need:
- A diaper change
- To be held or cuddled
- To be fed
Signs Baby is Hungry:
- Baby may put a hand to the mouth to suck, make sucking movements or hold a tight fist over the stomach. If baby is crying, you’ve waited too long.
Signs Baby is Full:
- Spits out the nipple or food
- Falls asleep
- Plays with the nipple or bites it, rather than sucking on it
- Plays with the food
- Lies quietly and just sucks every once in a while
Tips:
- Do not force your baby to finish all the formula or baby food or to keep nursing. Baby knows how much is enough at each feeding.
- Remember: babies do not always get hungry on a schedule and do not always take the same amount at a feeding. You need to be flexible!