When your baby’s appetite increases, it’s tempting to put it down to them just being a hungry baby. And it may well be the case that your baby has a bigger appetite than other babies that you know. However, if your baby has been fed, but remains unsettled, it’s important to understand that there may be other reasons for this beyond being hungry.
Crying is a good example of what we mean here. Whilst crying is one of the ways in which a hungry baby will tell you that they’re ready to feed, there are a variety of reasons as to why your baby might be upset. It could be a sign of your baby8:
- Being tired and overstimulated.
- Needing to have their nappy changed.
- Being too cold or too hot.
- Being bored and wanting a cuddle.
- Having reflux.
If you find that your baby continues to cry, even though they’ve been recently fed, it might be due to colic, a condition which is defined by the NHS as occurring when your baby cries without an obvious cause9. Colic can be quite stressful to deal with as a parent, so don’t hesitate to seek advice and support from a healthcare professional if you need it. To learn more about why your baby might be crying and why it’s such an important part of their communication, take a look here.
Some babies, both breast and formula fed, like to suck simply for comfort’s sake, even if they’re not hungry. It’s not uncommon for babies to mistake their need for food for their need for comfort, which can make it difficult for you to do the same. That’s why being able to recognise baby feeding cues is both helpful and important.