Your baby can tell you
Your baby shows hunger and fullness before they learn to talk. They do this with sounds and movements. When you know these cues, it is easier to tell when and how often to feed. Crying is often a late sign of hunger. If you catch the early cues, you can start feeding while your baby is still calm.
Birth to 5 months
A hungry baby may bring a hand to their mouth and turn their head toward the breast or bottle. They may pucker, smack or lick their lips. They may clench their hands into fists. A full baby closes their mouth, turns their head away from the breast or bottle and relaxes their hands.
6 to 23 months
As your baby grows, they develop new cues. A hungry baby may reach for food or point at it. They may open their mouth when a spoon comes near and get excited when they see food. A full baby may push food away, close their mouth or turn their head. In both cases they may use hand movements and sounds to show what they want.
What is responsive feeding?
The World Health Organization recommends responsive feeding for children aged 6 to 23 months. In this approach, your baby gives a cue. You notice the cue and respond promptly, in a supportive way that suits their age. Your baby then learns what response to expect. This pattern helps your baby regulate their own appetite and helps prevent both underfeeding and overfeeding.
Trust instead of pressure
Let your baby decide how much to eat. They do not need to finish the bottle or the plate. Do not use food as a reward or a punishment. Do not pressure your baby to eat, support them in feeding themselves and make meals a pleasant family time.
If you feel your baby eats too little or too much, talk to your baby's doctor.