Every parent has experienced the frustration of dealing with a hangry child. The word “hangry” is a combination of “hungry” and “angry” and is used to describe the irritable mood that comes with hunger.

When children are hungry, they often become fussy, cranky, and difficult to deal with. In this article, we will discuss the early hunger struggles that parents face with their children and how to deal with them.

What Causes Hunger?

Hunger is the natural physiological response to the body’s need for food. When we eat, our body processes the food and converts it into energy that fuels our daily activities.

When we don’t eat for a certain period of time, the level of glucose in our bloodstream drops, triggering hunger signals that tell us it’s time to eat. Additionally, the stomach releases a hormone called ghrelin, which stimulates the appetite and makes us feel hungry.

Infant Hunger Struggles

Babies have small stomachs and need to eat frequently to meet their nutritional needs. In the first few weeks of life, babies may feed as often as every two hours, and they may become fussy and cry when they are hungry.

It’s important for parents to learn their baby’s hunger cues, such as rooting, sucking on their hands, or making fussing noises, and respond promptly to their hunger needs. Breastfed babies may require more frequent feedings than formula-fed babies, as breast milk is digested more quickly.

Feeding Schedule for Infants

As babies grow and develop, their feeding schedule will change. By three months of age, most babies can go longer between feedings and may only need to eat every three to four hours.

By six months, they may be able to go four to six hours between feedings, and may be ready to start solid foods. It’s important to watch for hunger cues and allow babies to eat when they are hungry, rather than trying to stick to a rigid feeding schedule.

Toddler Hunger Struggles

Toddlers are notorious for their picky eating habits and may become stubborn or cranky when they are hungry. They may refuse to eat certain foods or demand specific foods that they like.

Dealing with Picky Eaters

One of the biggest challenges of feeding toddlers is dealing with picky eaters. Toddlers may reject new or unfamiliar foods, and it may take several exposures to a new food before they are willing to try it.

It’s important for parents to be patient and persistent, and to offer a variety of healthy foods at each meal. Parents can also involve toddlers in meal planning and preparation and make mealtimes a positive and enjoyable experience.

School-Age Hunger Struggles

As children grow and enter school, their eating habits may change. They may become more aware of their peers’ eating habits and may be influenced by social pressures.

They may also be more involved in extracurricular activities and may have irregular eating schedules. It’s important for parents to encourage healthy eating habits and to provide nutritious meals and snacks, even when children are on the go.

Promoting Healthy Eating Habits

Parents play an important role in promoting healthy eating habits and helping children develop a positive relationship with food.

This includes offering a variety of nutrient-rich foods, limiting sugary and processed foods, and setting a good example by eating healthy themselves. Parents can also involve children in meal planning and preparation, and make mealtimes a positive and enjoyable experience.

Conclusion

Children’s hunger struggles can be challenging for parents, but by understanding their child’s hunger cues and promoting healthy eating habits, parents can help ensure that their child gets the nutrition they need to grow and develop.

The key is to be patient, persistent, and flexible, and to make mealtimes a positive and enjoyable experience.