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Recognizing Hunger Before the Crying Begins
New parents often wonder how they can tell if their newborn is hungry. Is it just when they're crying? Well, babies can't talk, of course, but there are cues that parents can look for.
There is the rooting reflex. It's where babies will root or turn their heads to look for a food source. You can check this by stroking a baby's cheek with a finger and see if they turn their head and try to eat your finger.
They will also put their hands to their mouth and suck on their hands. And they can start smacking their lips and opening and closing their mouth as if they were sucking on something.
When to Check in with Your Pediatrician
Babies often tend to become more active when they are getting hungry as well. Crying is one cue also, and it's the one parent usually thinks about. But if your baby gets to the point of crying, you may have missed the subtle signs, and the baby is letting you know they are mad at you because you missed feeding time.
So if your baby is not doing these signs at all and they're not really eating like they're supposed to, it might be time to go see your pediatrician and just make sure everything is okay.
Feel Confident Caring for Your Newborn
A collection of newborn-focused episodes from the HEALTHY KIDS ZONE podcast.
Straightforward Answers to the Everyday Parenting Questions You Need Most.
Your Daughter's Painful Urination
Is your young daughter complaining about painful urination when using the bathroom? Learn about the most common causes of pain or irritation in the vagina or vulva, how to prevent them, and treatment options.
Newborn Reflexes and Movements
Newborns make many strange movements and show unexpected behaviors during the first year of life. Learn which movements are simply part of your baby’s developing nervous system and which signs could signal a medical problem that needs immediate attention.
A First Aid Guide to Playground Injuries
Playgrounds equal fun, but also falls, scrapes, and the occasional broken bone. Learn which common playground injuries need a Band-Aid versus a trip to urgent care or the pediatric emergency room.
Helping Your Baby Get Through Painful Pooping
Straining, crying, and turning red without producing a bowel movement can leave parents worried that something is seriously wrong—but in many cases, it is a normal developmental phase called infant dyschezia.
Finding the Right Formula for Your Baby
Choosing a baby formula does not come with a one-size-fits-all answer. Learn how to spot what works best for your baby and why your pediatrician’s guidance can help you choose with confidence.
What to Expect When Your Baby Starts Teething
Every baby teethes differently—some barely notice it, while others act like it is the end of the world. From timelines to treatment tips, learn what to expect and when to ask your pediatrician or dentist for help.
Taking Your Baby's Temperature
When your baby feels warm, it does not always mean they have a fever. A baby's age and how you take their temperature matter more than you think.
Newborn Vomiting vs. Spitting Up
Is your infant vomiting or spitting up? Know the clear signs of when spitting up might be symptomatic of something more serious, like pathologic reflux or anatomical issues, and how to respond effectively.
Newborn Skin Conditions
Newborns often do not have the perfect skin we expect. Learn about some of the common skin conditions that newborns face, what causes these conditions, and why frequent bathing is not recommended for newborns.