We believe that one of the most frequently discussed topics on the blog is related to food and nutrition, which is so important for children's growth and development. If we think about it, we'll agree with the saying we are what we eat. The better our little ones' nutritional development and evolution, the better their growth will be.
However, we know that some stages are more challenging than others. This is normal, as they are adapting and discovering new flavours, sensations and textures. We may see a look of surprise on their face, or one of happiness when they find a flavour they really like.
Today, we want to put aside the novelty that feeding can bring and focus more on an equally important topic how to know if your baby is full and how your little one shows that they are hungry or not.
Well, from our research, we have found that this is a much-debated topic and there is a lot of evidence on both sides.
One example of this is when a baby does not finish their bottle and we encourage them to drink it all, as it is beneficial for them. However, this is not the case. There is no need to force or excessively encourage a baby to eat more than they want to. We must understand that our little ones know what they want and when they are full. The same thing that happens when a baby stops breastfeeding when they are satisfied will happen when they drink from a bottle they will only stop when they feel it is necessary.
It is said that babies sometimes tend to gain weight more quickly when they are bottle-fed. It is essential that we learn to recognise the signs our baby gives us when he or she is full. Signs such as turning their head away, losing interest or becoming calmer and more content are important to respect. But don't worry, you will eventually understand these signs, as communication is constant and you will learn all the gestures and expressions your little one uses to let you know they are ready to eat or satisfied.
From what we can understand, it is always easier to tell when they are hungry than to recognise the signs that show that little ones are full. Perhaps they are more subtle compared to those we identify as being ready to eat or hungry. Making your baby eat even when they are full can cause them to gain weight quickly. The aim is for their growth and development to be constant and healthy.
In this first part, we learn the signs that babies give to identify whether they are hungry or already full. In the second part, we will understand what crying can convey to parents and whether its message is successful.
What about you? Was communicating whether your baby was hungry or full difficult at first? Did you encounter many difficulties? We want to know your experience. We want to know your opinion.
