How do you know if it's sucking for hunger or sucking for pacifier?

How do you know when they're really hungry, or just sucking for the sake of it and you can give them a pacifier? I'm assuming if they're hungry they push it out and start crying?

Re: How do you know if it's sucking for hunger or sucking for pacifier?

Yes, if they are hungry, a paci just won't cut it

Re: How do you know if it's sucking for hunger or sucking for pacifier?

If the baby is hungry...then he/she will usually stay awake whle nursing.

If the baby is already tired and closes his/her eyes as soon as nursing begins then he/she may just need a pacifier.

Re: How do you know if it's sucking for hunger or sucking for pacifier?

My DD sometimes uses me as a pacifier. She doesn't suck like she does when she eats. She rests, then sucks a little, then rests. When I pull her off, she doesn't cry like she does when she's still eating. And her thumb will go straight to her mouth most of the time (she refuses the paci).

Re: How do you know if it's sucking for hunger or sucking for pacifier?

Very simple for me- if I put the pacifier in his mouth, and he keeps it in, its for sucking. If he shoots it across the room and screams, he's hungry!

Re: How do you know if it's sucking for hunger or sucking for pacifier?

I have this problem, too. DD sucks her hands a lot and sticks her tongue out but once I start to nurse she either falls asleep or doesn't stay latched on,

I think sometimes they crave comfort.

Re: How do you know if it's sucking for hunger or sucking for pacifier?

It also depends on time. If it is an hour or so after she's eaten and she's sucking her fingers it is usually for comfort or that she is tired. If it is close to her feeding then I know it may be for hunger.

Re: How do you know if it's sucking for hunger or sucking for pacifier?

Re: How do you know if it's sucking for hunger or sucking for pacifier?

I can just tell the difference... You can listen for swallowing and gulping sounds... DD never took to a pacifier...