What are signs that a newborn may require more feeding?

A newborn may require more feeding if they exhibit increased alertness and crying. When a baby is alert, it indicates they are awake and aware of their surroundings, which is essential for growth and development. Increased alertness combined with crying often signals hunger; the baby is likely communicating that they need to be fed.

When a newborn is genuinely hungry, they tend to become more active, moving their arms and legs, and may display signs of distress, such as crying. Crying is a natural response to hunger and discomfort and serves as a way for the newborn to signal their needs to caregivers. Feeding during these periods of alertness not only ensures the baby's nutritional needs are met, but it also fosters bonding and provides comfort.

In contrast, signs such as decreased alertness, consistent sleepiness, or refusal to breastfeed can indicate different issues and may not always be direct signs for increased feeding. While decreased alertness or consistent sleepiness may suggest a need for feeding, it can also indicate other concerns, such as fatigue or possible illness. Similarly, refusal to breastfeed might be related to factors outside of hunger, including feeding difficulties or maternal factors. Therefore, increased alertness and crying are strong indicators that a newborn may benefit from more frequent feeding.