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Signs That Your Baby Is Hungry

Doctors and lactation specialists recommend feeding your baby whenever he or she is hungry (on demand). As you first start breast-feeding, you may wonder how you will know if your baby is hungry.

Signs that your baby is hungry include:

  • Putting his or her hands in or near the mouth.
  • Sucking on his or her hands, lips, or clothing.
  • Moving his or her head from side to side or facing toward something as if to try to breast-feed (rooting).
  • Nuzzling mom or squirming around as if to try to find the breast.
  • Moving the tongue in and out of his or her mouth.
  • Getting fussy and crying.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Revised April 14, 2011

Last Revised: April 14, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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