Got a hungry toddler?
Here are some hunger and fullness cues to watch out for during your toddler's development.
Knowing when to feed
Your toddler wants to be heard. Expressing his desire to eat and having you respond is important to his social and emotional development. Accommodate him best as possible, but don’t let him make the rules.
Hunger signs
- Banging toys and temper tantrums if hunger takes over.
- Sounds, words and hand gestures are ways to get your attention and say “I’m hungry.”
- Enthusiastically reaches for food wanting to feed himself.
- Expresses desire for specific foods with words or gestures.
- May resort to crying, or fussiness.
Knowing when he’s full
Being independent means letting you know very clearly that he’s done eating and wants to move on. Your toddler will shift gears, becoming uninterested in his food from one bite to the next. It’s his way of making decisions and taking control.
Fullness signs
- Turns away or shakes his head to say “no more” or “all done.
- Playing with or throwing food means mealtime is over. It’s playtime!
- Covers his mouth or face with his hands.
- May cross arms to show refusal of more food.
- Chewing slows done and his attention is off somewhere else.
- May spit out foods that he usually likes.
Related articles
Overcoming breastfeeding problems
Overcome breastfeeding challenges with expert tips on addressing latching difficulties, ensuring a healthy and comfortable experience for you and your baby.
6 mins to read
The importance of the food table
As children begin eating from the family table, their diets begin to mirror diet patterns of older siblings and adults
1 min to read
Baby allergies and intolerances: everything you need to know
If you are worried about baby allergies and intolerances, click here to learn more about what you can do and some important recommendations.
4 mins to read
Family Meals for Toddlers
Explore how family meals for toddlers can boost their development and create lasting bonds. Find tips on making mealtime fun and nutritious with easy, toddler-friendly recipes.
5 mins to read
Breastfeeding comebacks for unwanted questions
Fed up of everyone having an opinion on your breastfeeding? This list reads what NOT to say to a breastfeeding mom.
2 mins to read
Your toddler, the independent eater
-
2 mins to read
How To Help a Picky Eater
Learn more about how to help your baby when he becomes a picky eater. Click here to read about some tips and alert signs.
5 mins to read
Guide to a Healthy Toddler Diet
Knowing how to provide a healthy toddler diet can lead to your little one having a lifetime of healthy eating.
5 mins to read
Breastfeeding essentials
Planning to breastfeed but not sure what you’ll need? Here is a list of our first-time breastfeeding tips to help you prepare.
2 mins to read
Solid Infant Food: Next Steps
While introducing your baby to his first infant solid food there is a lot to have in mind, click here to learn everything you need to know.
5 mins to read
Everything you need to know about your breastfeeding diet
Get to know more about the c-sections, how they are done, the risk and how to take care of yourself after the procedure. Click here and learn everything about it.
4 mins to read
Introduce new food to your baby
Many children are afraid of new foods, preferring to eat foods they are used to
1 min to read
Baby’s First Foods: Everything You Need to Know
Your baby’s first foods are important to start his healthy nutrition habits, click here to read more about it.
4 mins to read
How to Start Complementary Feeding
Around the age of 6 month old your baby will be needing more energy and nutrients than breastmilk will provide. Find some pro tips on how to start complementary feeding.
3 mins to read
Combination feeding checklist
Combination feeding, also known as mixed feeding, with bottle and breast can take a while for you and baby to adjust to. Here are some combination feeding tips to make it easier.
2 mins to read
Moving on to finger foods? Follow our baby-led weaning checklist
Wondering when to start baby food? Most babies are ready to start trying at around six months.
2 mins to read
