Hungry Baby? How to Tell if Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk
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A lot of new mums worry about whether their baby is getting enough milk. Between outdated advice, mixed opinions, and the pressure to “do things right,” it’s easy to feel confused. The good news? There are clear signs to look for that can help reassure you that your little one is well-fed and content. 💕
Signs of a Contented Baby
If you’re wondering whether your baby is drinking enough milk, check these indicators:
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Wet nappies: Plenty of wet nappies is a positive sign. Dry nappies or dark, very yellow urine can point to dehydration — if you notice this, check in with your GP or child health nurse.
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Mood: A baby who is generally calm and happy is often well-fed. A persistently fussy baby may need a closer look at feeding.
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Weight gain: Regularly putting on weight along their growth chart is a key sign that baby is thriving.
If you’re ticking the first option in each of these, chances are your baby is doing well. But if you have concerns, always reach out to a lactation consultant or your doctor for reassurance.
Learning to Spot Hunger Cues
Did you know crying is actually a late sign of hunger? By the time bub is crying, they’ve been hungry for a while — which can make both of you stressed. Watching for early cues can make feeding smoother and calmer.
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Early cues: opening/closing their mouth, smacking lips, sucking on hands or toys.
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Active cues: rooting at your breast or chest, squirming, fussing, or trying to position themselves to feed.
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Late cues: crying, moving their head anxiously side to side.
Try to respond to the earlier cues when possible — it makes for a more relaxed feed for you and baby.
Demand Feeding vs. Scheduled Feeding
You may have heard the saying: “You can’t overfeed a breastfed baby.” This is the idea behind demand feeding — offering the breast whenever your baby shows signs of hunger, no matter how often.
While demand feeding usually aligns best with baby’s natural needs, it can feel overwhelming for mums, especially in the early months. If a more predictable schedule works better for you and your baby, that’s okay too. Remember — there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Support is available from lactation consultants, doctors, or baby nurses if you’re unsure.
Feeding and Sleep
“Should I wake my sleeping baby to feed?” is one of the most common questions new mums ask.
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Newborns: Sometimes you’ll need to gently wake them if they’ve been sleeping several hours.
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Older babies: Generally, a hungry baby will wake up and let you know. Keeping bub close overnight helps you tune into their needs and also supports safe sleep recommendations (sharing the same room for the first 6 months).
It’s completely normal for babies to wake often at night for feeds — especially in the early months. If your older baby is waking frequently and you’re not sure if it’s hunger or comfort, or if the exhaustion feels too much, don’t hesitate to ask your GP or child health nurse for help.
As Your Baby Grows
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Breastmilk (or formula) should remain your baby’s primary source of nutrition until 12 months.
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When solids begin, it’s normal for breastfeeds to reduce, but remember: food before one is just for fun!
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After 12 months, you can choose to continue breastfeeding or begin weaning — there’s no right or wrong choice. It’s about what works for you and your family.
Written by Dr. Hannah Cole, IBCLC – Milk Pantry Lactation Consultant
Dr. Hannah Cole is The Milk Pantry’s in-house lactation consultant, here to support mums on their breastfeeding journey with evidence-based care and heartfelt encouragement. With years of experience as both a doctor and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Hannah blends medical knowledge with a nurturing, mum-to-mum approach.
She is passionate about helping women feel empowered, confident, and supported through every stage of motherhood — because no mum should ever feel alone in her feeding journey. 🌿💗