Hunger vs. Tired Cues

Use cues to decide whether to feed or start wind‑down. Not medical advice.

Common hunger cues

  • • Rooting, sucking on hands
  • • Lip smacking, searching turns
  • • Short, rhythmic cries that escalate
  • • Wakes early from nap hungry

Common tired cues

  • • Red eyebrows/eyes, glazed stare
  • • Ear pulling, face rubbing, yawns
  • • Fussy near end of wake window
  • • Startles or fights feeds due to fatigue

Tip: If within typical wake window and last feed was recent, start a quick wind‑down. If past wake window with short feeds, try a full feed in a calm, dim space.

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