Is My Baby Eating Enough?

Here are some cues to look out for!

May 19, 2022

Baby led weaning bib by Bibbrella

Is my child just being picky today? Is it okay if my baby doesn’t feel like eating dinner? It can be hard to know if and when your little one has had enough to eat–especially younger ones who may not quite have the language they need to express how hungry or full they are. 

One day, your child may be conjuring a mealtime storm that requires a full-length bib. Other days, they might entirely refuse to eat dinner. How do you know if your babe is getting all the food they need? Below, we discuss how to determine whether or not your kid is getting enough to eat and what to do if they aren’t. 

How to Know If Your Babe Is Eating Enough

Whether or not a child is eating enough is a question that’s best worked out with your doctor. Every kid is different, so it’s tricky to provide a standard. With your help (you know your baby better than anyone else, after all), your pediatrician can take your baby’s personal eating habits into account when considering if your child’s diet is on the right track. 

If you suspect your baby isn’t getting enough to eat, some signs to look out for are: 

- Losing or staying at a steady weight
- Fussiness (similar to how adults get hangry)
- Irregular or lack of bowel movements
- Excessive lethargy or fatigue
- Not reaching developmental milestones

Some cues that your child is getting enough food include:

-Not being fussy after meals
-Burping or hiccuping after eating
-Relaxed, instead of tensed, body posture or language after mealtimes
-Having regular bowel movements
-Steady weight gain 

Is Not Eating Enough Bad for Babies? 

While a smaller meal here and there isn’t anything to freak out about, consistent undereating can be risky for growing children. Undereating can signal a larger medical or behavioral issue, and it can also slow down development. If undereating becomes the rule rather than the exception, enlist your pediatrician’s help. 

What to Do If Your Baby Isn’t Eating Enough

Every now and then, babies may just grow tired of an ingredient or dislike a certain texture. Baby led weaning can offer some suggestions for having your lil’ one lead the way when it comes to eating. Try having your kid take charge of the eating process to see if this helps them develop a stronger appetite or desire to eat. Ready to experiment? Grab a full-coverage bib like Bibbrella to prevent messes during mealtimes! 

It’s important to not force babies to eat, even if you suspect your little one hasn’t had enough food. Instead, consult your pediatrician ASAP to make sure your child is eating properly. Record mealtimes, diet, bowel movements, weight, and sleep to help your doctor determine if your baby is eating enough and to get your babe healthy and happy!