Bun, Kenali Seperti Apa Tanda Bayi Lapar dan Ingin Menyusu
When the Little One needs something, for example, wants to eat or breastfeed because they are hungry, wants attention because they are lonely, or otherwise, the only way they can communicate is by crying. One thing that Moms must quickly understand is the signs that a baby is hungry and wants to eat or breastfeed.
Then besides crying, are there other ways for the Little One to tell Mom that they are hungry or it is time to breastfeed? No need to delay, let's see the full discussion below.
Here Are the Signs of a Hungry Baby
When the Little One cries, it is very likely that they are already very hungry and upset. Crying is usually the sign of hunger felt by the baby. Before crying, the Little One usually already gives signs that they need food or want to breastfeed. The following are some signs of a hungry baby that the Little One might show to Mom:
- Becoming more awake and active (baby is more excited when thinking about food)
- Turning to the side or toward the mother's breast, as if looking for food
- Arms and legs moving in all directions
- Opening and closing their mouth
- Making sucking movements with their mouth
- Biting their lips, drooling more, or sticking out their tongue
- Clenching their hands (because the baby is impatient)
- Restless, squirming, fussy, or rocking
- Staring at Mom and their eyes following Mom around the room
- Showing furrowed brows and a distressed look as if wanting to say, "when do we eat?"
The following are the signs of a hungry baby that can be recognized based on the Little One's age:
Newborn to 6 months old
The Little One shows signs that they are hungry and want to breastfeed if:
- Putting hands to mouth
- Turning head toward the mother's breast or the milk bottle.
- Puckering face or licking lips
- Clenching their hands in front of their chest or stomach and then putting their fingers into their mouth.
Signs of a hungry baby aged 6 to 23 months
- Trying to reach for or pointing at food
- Opening their mouth when offered a spoon or food.
- Becoming more excited when seeing food.
- Using hand gestures or making sounds to tell Mom that they are still hungry.
Best Way to Handle a Baby Who Feels Hungry Constantly
Reported from the KlikDokter page, the best way to handle a baby who keeps feeling hungry is quite easy. There are no specific rules or hours for giving breast milk to a baby. The key is to provide breast milk or complementary food (MPASI) when the baby shows signs of hunger.
If the Little One seems still hungry after breastfeeding, give them more breast milk even if they just finished. However, if the baby refuses, do not force it, Mom.
Different from the Little One who is already eating complementary food (MPASI), Mom needs to pay attention to their mealtime every day so the Little One doesn't go hungry and their nutritional needs are always met. Additionally, breast milk should not be given to the baby if the time is too close to mealtime.
If the Little One keeps crying or is fussy even after breastfeeding or eating, check for signs of illness such as fever or a stuffy nose. Contact a pediatrician if Mom suspects the Little One is sick.
Meet the Little One's Daily Nutritional Needs with Hegen Breast Milk Storage
The signs of a hungry baby can actually be recognized by Mom before the Little One cries. For new moms, this is a new challenge that takes time to get used to. If Mom has mastered the various cues that the Little One is hungry and wants to breastfeed, then give breast milk or complementary food as soon as possible.
Babies will naturally tell Mom when they feel hungry and when they are full. If the Little One doesn't feel full yet, they will show the signs. Well, breastfeeding and feeding the Little One becomes an extraordinary job for every Mom for the Little One's growth and development.
To ensure the Little One's nutritional needs are always met every day, make sure Mom uses baby care equipment made from safe and food-grade materials.
This is the Hegen Breast Milk Storage 150ml (4Packs), which is multifunctional and can be used to store breast milk, as a milk bottle, and as food storage for complementary food (MPASI). Just change the lid, one bottle for everything!
Made from BPA-free PPSU material, it is lightweight, solid, durable, and heat-resistant in an oven up to 180 degrees Celsius. Wow!
Discover more collections of Hegen bottles where Mom can adjust the lids for the Little One's complementary food needs. Check it out now and get the products on the official Hegen Indonesia website!
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs Your Child is Hungry or Full. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/mealtime/signs-your-child-is-hungry-or-full.html
- Healthline. How to Recognize the Signs Your Baby is Hungry. https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/signs-baby-is-hungry
- KlikDokter.com. Benarkah Bayi ASI Mudah Lapar dan Lebih Rewel? https://www.klikdokter.com/ibu-anak/kesehatan-bayi/bayi-asi-cenderung-mudah-lapar-ini-kata-dokter
