What are the hunger cues in babies?

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Scheduled feedings as indicated by your pediatrician are best for premature babies or babies having any kind of medical issues. For full-term healthy babies, check for hunger cues instead of following the clock. This type of feeding is called “on-demand feeding” or “responsive feeding”.

When a newborn is hungry, they often cry. However, it’s ideal to keep an eye out for hunger cues before the baby starts wailing, as this is a late sign of hunger that makes it difficult for them to settle down and eat their fill. Here are some hunger cues to look for:

– Licking lips
– Sticking tongue out
– Rooting (moving jaw, mouth, or head in quest of the breast)
– Putting a hand to mouth repeatedly
– Opening mouth
– Fussiness

It’s crucial to remember that your baby’s cries and cues aren’t always due to hunger. Sucking is done by babies for a variety of reasons, including hunger and comfort; parents may find it difficult to distinguish between the two at first. It’s also possible that your infant may not be actually hungry and simply require a snuggle or a diaper change on occasion.

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When are sugar and salt good for your baby? How to introduce sugar and salt in your baby’s diet?

Babies don’t need too much salt or sugar before 1 year. The amount of salt and sugar present in breast milk or formula is sufficient to fulfill their requirements before the age of 1. Too much salt before this age may affect your baby’s kidneys. Whereas, higher amounts of sugar lead to tooth decay and […]

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How to offer a baby a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, etc?

When you start feeding your baby solid foods, it can be difficult to make sure your child is getting all of the vitamins and minerals that they need for development. Try to balance their nutrition over a week. Offer your baby a variety of foods from all food groups including whole grains, veggies, fruits, nuts, […]

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How many meals do babies have at 10 – 12 months?

Every day, your baby needs 3 meals and 1-2 healthy snacks, as well as on-demand breastfeeding. If they do not breastfeed, then formula should be given 2-3 times a day (100-120 ml each) is sufficient.Providing too much milk will decrease the consumption of solid foods Expect your child to miss meals on occasion. Many parents […]

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What are the top finger foods for 6-9 month olds?

The following are excellent choices as finger foods for 6-9-month-old babies. Sliced banana, sliced strawberry, sliced chikoo, sliced mangoes or melons, breadsticks with smooth peanut butter or nut butter, sliced chapati with smooth nut/peanut butter, pitta bread or naan bread sliced, soft cooked cauliflower, broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, turnip, green beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, […]

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How should I start feeding my baby solid food?

– When your child shows signs of hunger, such as placing their hands in their mouth, feed them. – Start by giving 2-3 spoonfuls of soft food twice a day. – Start with one food (dal water or rice kanji), then add a second food after 4-5 days to get the infant acquainted with the […]

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How to start early good eating habits?

– It’s important for your baby to become accustomed to the feeding process, which includes sitting up, eating from a spoon, pausing between bites, and stopping when full. These early experiences will aid your child in developing healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime. – From the first feeding, encourage family meals. When you […]

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How do you hydrate a sick toddler?

Have an oral rehydration solution on hand at all times. These are available in liquids, popsicles, and powders. While using powders to make an oral rehydration solution, follow the instructions to prepare the packet carefully and correctly. You can also make a homemade oral rehydration solution, by adding 1 spoon of sugar and a pinch […]

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Benefits of Infant massage to the Parents

– It encourages parental bonding with the baby from the beginning. – It increases the parent’s attachment to the baby. It helps in understanding the baby’s cues for various needs like hunger, etc. – It is a good medium to enhance communication and emotional bond between the baby and the parent. It is a good […]

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What are the Dos of infant massaging?

– Either of the parents can do the massage for the baby. Any other family member can also do it. Avoid appointing an outside person for Massaging, as one is not aware of the hygiene of the appointed person. – Wash hands with soap before the massage. Use a clean washed cotton cloth and spread […]

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What are the Don’ts of infant massaging?

– Do not tap on the anterior fontanelle of the baby. The anterior fontanelle is that part of the head, where the baby doesn’t have bone cover and hence the brain is directly exposed. In such a situation, tapping the area with oil can be harmful to the baby’s brain. – Do not put oil […]

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What are the different types of baby formula?

Cow’s milk is used in milk-based formulations, along with vegetable oils, iron, vitamins, and minerals. Soy-based products have added vegetable oils and minerals and are manufactured from soybeans. There are also a variety of hypoallergenic formulas available, which are manufactured from cow’s milk that has been ‘predigested’ and the protein removed or decreased. Formula may […]

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Can curd increase mucus?

No, it’s not true. Dairy products don’t cause the body to produce more mucus. Some people say that after a drink of milk, their throat feels coated with milk and they want to cough. However, research suggests that it’s the consistency of milk that gives the sensation of it coating the throat, and it is […]

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Steps for Infant Massage

Steps for infant massage: – Gently stroke the baby’s head, and smoothly massage the baby’s forehead in the horizontal direction with two fingers, starting at the center.– Make tiny circles on the cheek with two fingers. Make small circles around the baby’s jaw, and massage around the lips. – Using your hands, gently stroke the […]

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Benefits of Massage to the baby

– Infant massage provides tactile stimulation (stimulation with touch) which is part of multisensory stimulation promoting a baby’s development and well-being. – It also benefits the blood circulation and respiration of the baby. – It improves the tone of muscles and strengthens the muscles and thus stimulates motor development of the baby. – It stimulates […]

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What are other Hunger Cues of the baby?

Scheduled feedings, as indicated by your pediatrician, are best for children born prematurely or with medical issues. Check your baby for hunger cues (instead of the clock) if the baby is a healthy and full-term infant. This type of feeding is called “feeding on demand” or “responsive feeding”. When a newborn is hungry, he or […]

What are the symptoms of a Food Allergy?

When the body reacts to non-toxic proteins contained in meals, it is called a food allergy. These reactions usually occur quickly after a meal has been consumed. Food allergies can be minor or severe. Since there are so many things that might be mistaken for food allergies, parents must understand the differences. Here are some […]

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How should I feed my baby with solid food?

.When your child shows signs of hunger, such as placing their hands in their mouth, feed them. Start by giving 2-3 spoonfuls of soft food twice a day. Start with one food (dal water or rice kanji), then add a second food after 4-5 days to get the infant acquainted with the flavor. Because their […]

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Should I still give my baby breast milk or first infant formula, if my is 10 Months?

That’s right! Breast milk or formula milk is the best source of energy and nourishment during the first year, and it should be your baby’s major food until they are 12 months old. If the infant is exclusively breastfed for the first six months, continue this after weaning food; there is no need for formula. […]

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What are the food options for 8 to 12 months baby?

Here’s a list of items that can be included in the diet of an 8-12 month-old baby is as follows: Fruits: Cooked and pureed dry fruits, boiled mashed apples, ripe bananas, muskmelon, chikoo, papaya, grapes, and mangoes (black raisins and dates). Vegetables: Boiled and peeled carrots and pumpkins, green leafy veggies, sweet potatoes, beets, peas, […]