How Can I Know That My Baby Is Full?

Does your baby release or "fall" off your breast?

Does your baby turn from your nipple?

Does your baby close its mouth and not respond to the encouragement to latch on or suck again?

If you are not breastfeeding, does your baby turn its head away from the bottle or push it away?

Does your baby open its fists and relax its arms after breastfeeding?

Does your baby relax its whole body after breastfeeding?

Does your baby look sleepy after breastfeeding?

Does your baby look around after breastfeeding and show interest in other things?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways to help you recognize that your baby is full. A full baby will let go of your breast and turn away from your nipple. If your baby stops eating on one breast, you can offer the other breast. Your baby is full if it closes its mouth and does not react to the encouragement to latch on and suck again. It is not necessary for your baby to eat on both sides at each feeding to be full. Your baby is satisfied after a feeding if it relaxes its body and opens its fists.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to recognize that your baby is full. A full baby will clearly show you that it is no longer interested in eating. It can push away your breast or bottle. Usually after feeding, a satisfied baby looks drowsy, relaxed and ready to go back to sleep. Some babies look around, laugh and show interest in play or other things. Regular check-ups with your baby's pediatrician include weighing your baby. When your baby is fed properly, it should gain 155 to 240 grams every week for the first 4 months of life.