As a new parent, knowing when your baby is full can be challenging. Babies have small stomachs and need to eat frequently, so it’s important to recognize signs of fullness to avoid overfeeding. Here are some tips to help determine when baby has had enough.
Watch for slowing down or stopping feeding
One of the clearest signs baby is full is when they start disengaging from feeding. A hungry baby will suck actively and swallow frequently. As they near fullness, the sucking and swallowing will start to slow down. Pauses between swallows will increase. Eventually, a full baby will stop sucking altogether and let the nipple or bottle fall from their mouth.
Try burping baby if they pause feeding, as a trapped air bubble could interrupt an otherwise hungry baby. If baby pushes away, turns away, or continues to resist feeding after a good burp, they are likely full.
Note baby’s body language
Babies give cues beyond feeding behavior that indicate fullness. A satisfied baby may become drowsy, relaxed, or happy during or after a feeding. Clenched fists, jerky arm and leg movements, arched back, and fussiness can signal an overly full or uncomfortable baby.
Hands placed on your breast or the bottle to push away are a sure sign it’s time to stop feeding. Also note any leaking from the mouth or milk sputtering as a cue your baby’s stomach is at capacity.
Watch milk intake
Keeping an eye on how much breastmilk or formula baby takes in can provide helpful context on fullness, though it’s important not to force baby to finish a certain volume.
Average milk intake by age:
| Age | Breastfed | Formula Fed |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn (1-7 days) | 1-2 oz per feeding | 1-3 oz per feeding |
| 1-2 weeks | 2-4 oz per feeding | 2-5 oz per feeding |
| 1-2 months | 4-6 oz per feeding | 4-7 oz per feeding |
| 3-5 months | 5-8 oz per feeding | 6-8 oz per feeding |
Remember that breastfed babies take in varying amounts at each feeding, so pay more attention to behavior than volume. For bottle feeding, note if baby consistently leaves milk behind after several feedings, which may indicate overfilling.
Pace bottle feeding
Paced bottle feeding can help prevent overfeeding a bottle fed baby. Feed baby sitting upright, tip the bottle so milk fills only the nipple, and let baby take breaks. This gives them time to recognize fullness before taking in too much at once.
Consider age and stage
Feeding needs change quickly in the first months of life. Knowing what’s developmentally normal can prevent under or overfeeding.
In the early weeks, babies need to eat frequently, about 8-12 times per day. Let baby feed on demand. By two months, a schedule may develop with feedings every 2-4 hours. Babies around six months will start tapering milk feeds as solids are introduced.
Growth spurts can increase appetite temporarily. More frequent feeding or an additional daily feeding may be needed during growth spurts around 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months old.
Identify signs of overfeeding
Feeding your baby too much can lead to spit up, gas, and discomfort. Signs of overfeeding include:
- Spitting up large amounts
- Wet burps or spit up during and after feeding
- Gassiness or stomach rumbling
- Pulling legs to chest in discomfort
- Turning away or crying at the breast or bottle
If you notice signs of overfeeding, try burping baby more frequently during feedings and offering smaller amounts at a time. The amount eaten can be gradually increased at the next feed if hunger cues persist.
Ask your pediatrician if concerned
If you are worried your baby is not eating enough or eating too much, consult your pediatrician. Track baby’s wet diapers and weight gain and bring the log to your doctor’s appointment.
Signs your baby may not be getting enough milk include:
- Only 4-5 wet diapers a day by day 5 of life
- Inadequate weight gain
- Excessive sleepiness or lethargy
- Dry skin, lips, gums, and fontanel (soft spot)
- Crying that isn’t soothed by feeding
Your pediatrician can help determine if baby is getting enough nourishment and diagnose any underlying issues impacting feeding or growth.
Aim for responsive feeding
Responsive feeding means recognizing and respecting your baby’s signs of hunger and fullness. This allows baby to develop a healthy relationship with food from the start.
Feed baby when hunger cues like increased alertness, rooting, and putting hands to mouth arise. Stop when you see signs of fullness like slowing sucking, decreased alertness, and hands pushing away.
Following baby’s lead allows them to gain weight appropriately and prevents overfeeding. With time, you will come to intuitively recognize your baby’s unique hunger and fullness patterns.
Conclusion
Learning to read your baby’s signals is key to identifying when they have had enough to eat. Slowing feeding, increased drowsiness, and hands pushing away are clear cues baby is full. Spitting up, gassiness, and fussiness can be signs of overfeeding. Responsive feeding by watching for hunger and fullness will ensure your baby gets the nutrition they need without overdoing it. If you are concerned about baby’s intake or weight gain, consult your pediatrician.