How do I teach my baby to recognize when they’re hungry or full?

“More?” “All done?” “Still hungry?” “Eat….again?”

That’s every toddler parent everywhere at least 40 times a day.

Yes, avoiding a hangry tantrum is always the goal, but more than that, we know that kids who honor their hunger and fullness cues grow up having a positive relationship with food. And who doesn’t want that for their kid?

But helping your little munchkin learn the ins and outs of “hungry” and “full” can be tricky when they’re still mastering both language and eating skills.

Try these four strategies to help your young one learn to recognize and honor their hunger and fullness cues so you can lay the groundwork for healthy eating and set the stage for a lifetime of balanced nutrition.

Watch for signs

While your little one might not be able to use words to tell you when they’re hungry or full, they’ll use other ways to communicate. Closely watch your baby while they’re eating and keep an eye out for subtle cues. Are they tossing food on the floor? Playing more than eating? Turning their head away when food is offered? These could all be signs that they’re either not hungry or feeling full. By tuning in to these signals, you can respond accordingly and help your child develop a healthy relationship with food.

Consider sign language

Communication is key, even for the littlest members of our families. Teaching your toddler simple sign language can be a game-changer when it comes to mealtimes. For hunger, you can use the sign for “eat” – simply tapping your fingertips together near your mouth. And for “all done,” a simple wave of the hand gets the message across. Not only does sign language empower your child to express their needs, but it also fosters early language development. Don’t be afraid to also communicate verbally with your child, even if they can’t respond yet. “You seem hungry, let’s eat” and “looks like you’re full, all done!” teach them to understand what they’re feeling.

Serve filling meals

Toddlers are notorious snack monsters, but young kids shouldn’t need to eat every 30 minutes. Serve nutritious, filling foods at every meal and snack. Ideally include a source of protein and healthy fats to keep your child feeling full. Stonyfield Organic YoBaby yogurt cups are a great option, as they are made with real fruit and have protein, calcium, and probiotics to nourish tiny bellies and to try and keep hunger at bay.

Create a positive mealtime environment

Mealtime should be a time of joy, connection, and exploration – not a battleground. Avoid pressure tactics like bribery or forcing bites, which can backfire and result in mealtime struggles. Instead, offer a variety of nutritious foods and let your child take the lead on what and how much they eat. Remember, it’s okay if they don’t finish every bite or if they seemingly eat a ton one day and next to nothing the rest. Babies are born as intuitive eating experts. When you trust their instincts they’ll continue to do the same.

So, there you have it, four simple tips for teaching your toddler to tune in to their tummy and develop a healthy relationship with food. With a little patience (and maybe a few new sign language words up your sleeve), you’ll be well on your way to raising a happy eater.

Author: Jenny Friedman RD | pediatric dietitian 

Note that the views and opinions expressed in this post are solely that of  the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of Stonyfield. The content provided and in any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If you have any questions about health or nutrition, we always think it’s best to consult with your doctor or healthcare practitioner.