Hunger Cues Part 2

Now that we have covered the early, active, and late hunger cues, let's cover the process.

Whenever I see an infant exibiting early hunger cues, I make a mental note that they are beginning to exibit signs of hunger. Now, I don't generally take these early hunger cues as gold because the early hunger cues are things that babies generally do even when they aren't hungry. The active hunger cues are when I start to take action.

If you are formula feeding, active hunger cues is the time to either make or warm-(if cold, never warm room temperature bottles), the bottle.

If you are breast feeding, active hunger cues is the time to get everything 'set' for the nursing session.

Next, change babies diaper if it is wet/dirty. I like to change the diaper before a feeding just in case baby falls asleep while feeding.

Once all is set and baby has a clean nappy on, it's feeding time! While feeding, whether bottle or breast feeding, try to look into your babies eyes. If you choose to talk to your child while feeding, speak in a soft voice. Try not to distract your child from eating. Distraction can cause an infant to not eat enough, or eat too much.