False hunger cues newborn that mislead parents

Non-Nutritive Sucking

Non-Nutritive Sucking

Babies have a natural instinct to suck, even when they are not hungry.

Colossalumbrella

Rooting reflex

Rooting reflex

When you stroke a newborn's cheek they may turn their head in that direction and make sucking motions.

Colossalumbrella

Crying

Crying

Parents may assume that every cry means the baby is hungry, leading to unnecessary feedings.

Colossalumbrella

Hand-to-mouth movements

Hand-to-mouth movements

Babies often explore their hands and fingers by bringing them to their mouth.

Colossalumbrella

Sucking on objects

Sucking on objects

Along with sucking on fingers or thumbs, newborns may also suck on toys, blankets, or any nearby objects.

Colossalumbrella

Rapid eye movements during sleep

Rapid eye movements during sleep

Sometime Parents assume baby is waking up due to hunger when they are actually in a normal sleep cycle.

Colossalumbrella

Increased sucking intensity

Increased sucking intensity

Babies may sometimes suck more vigorously at the breast or bottle even when they are not necessarily hungry.

Colossalumbrella

False hunger cries

False hunger cries

babies may cry as a way to communicate their needs, even if they are not hungry.

Colossalumbrella

Growth spurts

Growth spurts

During certain periods of growth spurts, babies may show increased appetite and want to feed more frequently.

Colossalumbrella