Whether you feed your baby with purees or BLW, respecting their fullness cues is important. Even if babies can’t talk, they can show us they’re hungry or when they’ve had enough. It’s true! Here’s how to raise an intuitive eater.
WHY IT’S BENEFICIAL
- Helps your child develop healthy eating habits
- Allows your child to listen to their bodies from a young age
- Shows your child they have control over how much food or how little they consume (self-regulation)
- Can help your child learn to feed themselves
- Makes mealtimes easier
SIGNS THAT YOUR BABY IS HUNGRY FOR FOOD
- Leans toward foods and opens mouth
- Gets excited when sees food
- Focuses on the food and follows with eyes
- If baby-led weaning, plays with food and smells it
SIGNS THAT YOUR BABY IS FULL OR NOT INTERESTED
- Spits the food out or pushes your hand or food away
- Closes their mouth when you offer food
- Turns their head away from food
- Cries when you try to feed them
- If baby-led weaning, continues to play and throw food with no attempt to eat after 30 minutes, even after troubleshooting
CHECK OUT THE PEDSDOCTALK TODDLER COURSES! THE PICKY EATING PLAYBOOK OFFERS STRATEGIES FOR TODDLER FEEDING AND REDUCING MEALTIME BATTLES.
