Your 6 to 12 Month Old’s Hunger & Fullness Cues
Is your hungry baby eating enough? Here are some hunger and fullness cues to watch out for in babies sitting up.
From 6 to 7 months
Knowing when to feed
At this stage, your baby’s menu may have expanded to include more infant cereals and baby food varieties. Your little one’s excitement over food can turn mealtime into a fun, playful experience for the both of you. Take advantage of it.
Hunger signs
- Still cries or fusses when hungry for milk or desires food.
- Reaches for spoonfuls of food.
- Opens mouth and leans in toward bowl or spoon.
- Stares at you while eating as if to say “I’m not done yet.”
Knowing when they're full
Whether breast, bottle or spoon-feeding, your baby makes their wishes known when they're full.
Fullness signs
- Turns their head from the nipple, if it’s breast or bottle.
- Leans away from the food and may push the spoon away.
- Clenches their mouth shut and doesn’t allow you to feed them.
- Spits out food that they like.
- Pushes away the bowl or whatever food is there.
- Slows down the pace, gets distracted and looks elsewhere.
- Falls asleep while feeding.
From 8 to 12 months
Knowing when to feed
It’s important to recognise hunger and fullness cues because a baby’s tummy is small. Although your baby’s portions may seem tiny, they eat less, but more frequently than you do. You are learning their cues for hunger and fullness, and your baby is learning how to respond to your behaviour.
Hunger signs
- Kicking their legs and banging on the high chair tray says “Hurry up with the food, Mum.”
- Putting fingers in their mouth and fussing, which lets you know they may be hungry.
- Carefully watches as you prepare the food, and is excited when you present it.
- Reaches for food when they see it says “time to eat.”
- Eats with full attention on you and anticipates the next bite.
Knowing when they're full
Your baby usually makes their wishes known when they're full.
Fullness signs
- Turns their head or leans away from the spoon.
- Shuts their mouth tight and shakes their head “no” when they've had enough.
- Pushes away their bowl and tries to knock the spoon from your hand.
- No longer appears interested in eating and looks away from you.
Related articles
Introducing Baby’s First Foods? Be Prepared With This Handy List
Introducing solid foods to your baby is a lot of fun as they adjust to new tastes and textures. Check out this essential list for introducing baby’s first food.
3 mins to read
Guide to Baby Formula
Explore our guide to baby formula and learn more about the difference between newborn formula and stage 2 formula.
5 mins to read
How To Start Complementary Feeding
Starting complementary feeding is an exciting (and messy) time! Here are our top tips on how and when to start baby food.
3 mins to read
Breastfeeding Tips
In Australia, almost all mums intend to breastfeed. While breastfeeding is a natural way of feeding, it isn’t always easy.
4 mins to read
The Importance of Iron for Babies
An Australian nutrition survey showed that 75% of infants aged 6-12 months were not consuming enough iron.
5 mins to read
Formula For Newborn Babies
Baby formula is usually split up into two categories according to your babys age.
2 mins to read
Adventures in Feeding: New Tastes, New Textures, New Techniques
Now that your baby is 8 to 10 months old, has enjoyed first tastes, and is becoming more experienced at eating, it’s time to move on to lumpy foods and helping them
6 mins to read
Special Baby Formulas
Formulas for lactose intolerance, regurgitation, and allergy management are some of the infant formulas available for formula fed babies with special dietary needs.
4 mins to read
Baby Formula Ingredients
Baby formulas will never be equal to breast milk, however they have been formulated to provide the necessary nutrients to support normal growth and development when breast milk is not available.&nb
4 mins to read
Breastfeeding Snacks
Breastfeeding is a rewarding but demanding journey, and good nutrition is crucial for both you and your baby.
8 mins to read
What Information Can Baby Formula Companies Provide?
Manufacturers and importers of infant formula, otherwise known as baby formula, may be bound to some very important codes of marketing and advertising.
2 mins to read
Helping Your Little One Love Good Food
Perhaps one of your most important jobs as a parent is to be a good role model for your baby, particularly when it comes to healthy eating.
3 mins to read
10 Ways to Introduce Variety and Texture
Help your six to nine-month-old set up healthy eating patterns by offering a wide variety of flavours and textures now.
5 mins to read
Baby Formula Feeding Concerns
Most formula fed babies will be very happy on the baby formula you first choose. However, it’s important to know that not all formulas suit all babies.
7 mins to read
What Support is Available If I've Decided to Formula Feed
There are many parents out there just like you, who have for whatever reason, decided not to breastfeed, and given this is to be an unlikely easy decision, it’s important to know what support is th
2 mins to read
Mini Meals For Mini People
Focus on your baby’s nutrition by offering smart 'mini meals' in between traditional mealtimes. Focus on age appropriate texture and nutrient rich options.
4 mins to read
Transitioning Between Different Milk Feeding Options
Whether you’re moving from breastfeeding to formula feeding, or changing from one formula to another, it’s important to keep your eye out for signs of intolerance.
2 mins to read
Warming Baby Formula
There may not be many situations where you will need to warm up a formula feed, but on the odd occasion when you do it’s important to know how to do it safely.
2 mins to read
How to Prepare Baby Formula
Safe preparation of baby formula is important for your baby’s health. Like any food preparation we need to consider good food hygiene practices - it doesn't need to be complicated.
5 mins to read
