If you just brought your baby home from the hospital, you might have wondered that you are on a constant cycle of feed, burp and diaper change. Does it feel like your baby has three main duties – eat, sleep, and Poop/Pee. Well, it might feel confusing, and you might think there's something wrong with your baby. If you have ever been in that stage of thought, grab your favourite drink because we will discuss the signs of hunger in a newborn.

So, let's begin!

Why Your Baby Seems Hungry?

Young babies have tiny tummies, which, although they fill up fast, also start getting empty very soon. That's the main reason why you have to feed your baby very often. Although babies being hungry a few minutes after every meal is common, the "Hungry baby" term is used when your baby shows an insatiable appetite. It mostly happens with babies younger than 3 months. 

Knowing why they feel hungry is important before finding the solution to satisfy your baby's hunger. So, the following are some reasons for which your baby may feel genuine hunger:

• Cluster feeding
• Catch up growth 
• Poor latch 
• Low breastmilk supply 
• Diluted baby formula 
• Extreme vomiting or diarrhoea 

Now, look at the signs of hunger in a newborn that tells you to prepare your baby's next meal.

1. He will start leaning towards your chest if you're holding your baby. This movement is called the rooting reflex. Babies do it in search of a breast or bottle to feed. 
2. When your baby starts sucking his own finger or anything nearby, like mittens, blankets or clothes, it is one of the most common signs of hunger in a newborn. 
3. Another of the most common newborn hunger cues is when the newborn starts smacking or licking their lips. They're trying to tell you that it's time for food. 
4. If your baby is fidgeting or showing restlessness, it indicates that he needs food. In most cases, this reaction is accompanied by crying or being fussy. 
5. Babies may clench their fists or stiffen their bodies when they're hungry. You might notice their arms or hands curled into tight fists, and they could tense up their entire body as a sign of hunger in newborns. 

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How Much Should Babies Eat?

Newborns must usually breastfeed every 2-3 hours, including at night. At each feeding, they may nurse for 10-15 minutes per breast. Their typical intake is about 8-12 daily feedings in the early weeks. Newborns typically drink about 1-2 ounces of formula per feeding during the first few weeks.

Breastfed babies may still feed 8-12 times per day. Breastfed babies don't typically need to be "measured," but they should feed frequently enough to grow well and maintain a steady weight gain.

Around 3-6 months, breastfeeding frequency may decrease to 6-8 times a day. It's still hard to measure exactly, but babies are likely taking in around 24-32 ounces of milk per day through breastfeeding.