How to Tell if a Baby is Eating Enough

It's easy to know when you've eaten enough, but that's not so easy to gauge when you're dealing with an infant. Breastfeeding mothers can especially get concerned because they really don't know how much their baby eats at each feeding. But when you pay attention to the details, you can tell if your baby is eating enough.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Notice hunger cues. These cues vary as your child gets older, but they almost always include fussiness.
2. Watch your baby drink. You should be able to see the jaw move and hear a sucking sound. You might even be able to hear your baby swallow.
3. Feel your breasts after a feeding. They should feel softer than they did before. That's a sign that milk is being expressed.
4. Look at your baby's diapers. Babies less than 3-months old should have about 6 wet diapers each day. This is a sign that your baby is well hydrated and getting enough nutrition.
5. Count the number of bowel movements. And you should pay attention to their color and texture. If your baby doesn't have regular bowel movements, or if they just don't look right, it might be cause for concern.
6. Monitor your baby's behavior when it's not meal time. Your baby should be active and alert and should show no signs of hunger.
7. Pay attention to when your child is full. Your baby might fall asleep while eating or may even turn away from the bottle. A baby on solid foods might refuse to open his mouth, or he may spit the food out. These are signs that your baby has had enough to eat.
8. Keep all regular doctor appointments. Your doctor will be able to track your baby's growth, and he'll be able to tell you if your baby's getting enough to eat. If you get nervous between checkups, you can always go in and ask the nurse for a weight check.