Signs Your Baby is Hungry

As a professional newborn photographer in Sydney, I have had the privilege of capturing countless precious moments of babies in their earliest days. One of the key elements to a successful newborn photo session is ensuring that the little ones are content and comfortable. One way to achieve this is by recognising the signs that your newborn baby is hungry and ready for a feeding break. In this blog post, I will be shedding light on these cues, helping you provide the nourishment your baby needs while keeping their safety a top priority during the photo shoot. 

1. Rooting Reflex

One of the most telltale signs that your baby is hungry is the rooting reflex. When you stroke or touch their cheek, they instinctively turn head in the direction of the touch, often opening their mouth as well. This is a clear indication that they’re searching for the breast or bottle.

2. Hand-to-Mouth Movements

If you notice your newborn frequently bringing their hands to their mouth and even sucking on their fists, it’s one of the signs your newborn baby is hungry. It is a sign that they’re trying to satisfy their hunger. This natural instinct showcases their readiness to feed.

3. Lip Smacking and Tongue Movements

Babies often exhibit lip smacking or tongue movements when they are anticipating a feed. These subtle motions are their way of expressing their hunger and eagerness for nourishment.

4. Increased Alertness

While sleepiness is a common state for newborns, if you notice your baby suddenly becoming more alert and active, it could a sign that they’re hungry. These bouts of wakefulness are often accompanied by restlessness.

5. Stirring and Waking

As for posed newborn photography, it’s ideal to capture the serene moments of a newborn when they’re asleep during a photo session. However, if your baby begins to stir, make small sounds or show signs of restlessness, it might be an indicator that they need a feed before they can settle back into a peaceful sleep.

Prioritising Safety and Comfort During Photo Sessions

I have been a professional newborn photographer in Sydney for more than 6 years now and I truly understand the importance of capturing those beautiful poses while ensuring the safety and well-being of the baby. That’s why I always encourage parents to recognise hunger cues and address them before the session begins. At my newborn photography studio in Leichhardt, each session is private. Mums are always welcome to breast feed the baby if they’d like. During my newborn photo session, we usually takes a few breaks for feeding as well. When we know and recognise the signs your newborn baby is hungry, it is allowing us to create stunning images while keeping their comfort as a top priority.

Decoding your newborn baby’s hunger cues is an essential skill for any parent, whether you’re preparing for a professional photo session or simple navigating the early days of parenthood. By recognising the signs of hunger and addressing them promptly, you can ensure your baby’s comfort, well-being, and happiness – both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. And if you would like to have more information about our newborn photo session, feel free to contact us anytime!