Hungry vs. Pacifier...What Does My Baby Want?!
If you are struggling with getting your baby to latch or take a bottle I highly recommend using a newborn pacifier and getting an Ingy Bingy Band, a pacifier wristband, to go with it.
By Emily Rogers
Some people are resistant to introducing a pacifier because it can hide hunger cues. Breastfeeding mothers are especially concerned about this because they don’t want their milk supply to drop. So how do you know if your baby is hungry or just wants their pacifier?
Let’s talk about hunger cues. Your baby will actually start signaling that they’re hungry before they start crying. It’s important to watch for these signs because it can make feeding time more stressful if your baby is already in distress!
Look out for:
- Sucking on hands or arm
- Rooting around: If your baby keeps turning their head they might be looking for your breast so they can eat!
- Becoming more alert and active
- Opening and closing mouth
If you notice any of these signs then you should offer your breast or a bottle! However, if you are at all worried about your baby not eating enough, then when they start to cry or fuss, always offer your breast (or bottle) first. You don’t need to do this, but if it will help you offer a newborn pacifier with ease instead of anxiety, then it’s worth it! However, you can watch out for signs your baby is full so you know your baby is just cranky and not hungry.
Look out for:
- Baby let’s go or falls off your breast
- Baby turns their head away from your breast (or bottle)
- Baby becomes more relaxed and opens their fists
Sometimes babies can get sleepy during feedings and they aren’t able to get full. If you are struggling with getting your baby to drink from both breasts or drink their entire bottle, then you can try these things.
- Burp after feeding
- Change their diaper
- Take their clothes off
If you are struggling with getting your baby to latch or take a bottle a newborn pacifier can be great for kick helping with feeding!
Bottle Feeding: Infant pacifiers are great for helping a baby take a bottle for two reasons. First, if your baby is screaming, it’s going to be difficult to get them to eat. A newborn pacifier will help your baby to calm down and get comfortable again before you try feeding again. Infant pacifiers also help with the sucking motion required to get the milk out of the bottle. Practicing non-nutritive sucking with a newborn pacifier will help your baby to normalize the sensation of drinking from a bottle. This will make it easier and quicker to get that milk/formula to your baby!
Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding isn’t always as easy as it sounds. My first son had a terrible time latching which made breastfeeding awful for him and me! We used an infant pacifier to help him with his sucking motion and our breastfeeding journey took off from there!
If you are struggling with getting your baby to latch I highly recommend using a newborn pacifier and getting an Ingy Bingy Band to go with it.
The Ingy Bingy Band is a pacifier wristband that velcros around baby’s wrist to help them self-soothe from as early as 4 months. Any infant pacifier attaches to this sanity saving pacifier bracelet. This pacifier wristband saves you time and frustration because, your baby will always have access to their pacifier on their own. Stop pausing all of your daily activities because you have to keep putting your baby’s pacifier back in their mouth.
The Ingy Bingy Band is not your everyday pacifier clip! This game-changing pacifier wristband helps babies self-soothe at a younger age than ever before! Instinctively, babies gnaw on their hands in an attempt to soothe. The Ingy Bingy pacifier wristband keeps their pacifier right where they’ll find it, allowing your baby to comfort and calm themselves while you do whatever it is you need to do!
Our buttery soft wristband comes in two styles to accommodate every pacifier.
Our Pacific style should be used when your baby’s pacifier holes are near their nose and chin when in use. It is most commonly used with Avent, BIBS, Dr. Brown’s, MAM, Nuby, NUK, Medela, FRIGG, Nanobébé, Tommee Tippee, and Chicco pacifiers.
Our Sequoia style should be used when your baby’s pacifier holes are near their nose and chin when in use. It is most commonly used with Itzy Ritzy, Ryan & Rose, and The Dearest Grey pacifiers.
If you are still unsure which pacifier wristband style is right for you, check out our style guide or text the name and/or picture of your preferred paci & we’ll let you know which style is right for you!