11
months
cues baby is
HUNGRY vs. FULL At this age, your baby will likely eat three to four small meals per day, along with nutritious snacks. Even though he’s getting close to a year and perhaps slowly drinking less and less formula or breastmilk, these should still remain his primary source of calories. Your child is building both their physical and emotional relationship with food even at this young age. As parents we want to foster habits that will serve our children for a long time. One way to do this is to offer a variety of healthy foods while avoiding forcing or negotiating with our little ones to eat.
Just like us...
baby’s hunger will change daily. Honor your baby’s knowledge of their own hunger and satiety by offering more if they indicate hunger or stopping the meal should they seem disinterested or full.
This tip is from our Happy Mama Mentor Jaime, RD and mom to Annabel & Alexa Also available to chat at: happyfamilyorganics.com/chat
TAKE NOTE
signs and cues to know when baby is hungry or full
PER DAY
KS
1-2
S N AC
S
3
M E AL
Full?
You’ll know baby is full when he: Refuses to take another bite Shakes his head ‘no more’ Becomes easily distracted Begins playing with food more than eating it Spits food out
Hungry?
Hunger cues include: Crying or fussing Losing energy or being impatient Reaching for food or getting excited when she sees food Using hand signals or sounds to let you know she is hungry
Additionally, using food as a reward or punishment may undermine the healthy eating habits you’re trying to instill
in your child. This practice m ay impact your child’s relationship with food down the road or may even lead to poor eating habits.
Choking Hazards in Self-Feeding Offering your little one a variety of soft ‘smushable’ or easily dissolvable foods will help prevent choking. Other choking hazards to avoid include: hot dogs, sausages, hard & chewy candies, popcorn, nuts, seeds, chunks of peanut butter, big chunks of cheese, chewing gum, and hard raw chunks of vegetables & fruit.