Direct answer: There are reliable signs you can watch for to tell if a baby is still hungry after a feeding, and steps to respond so they stay well-fed and content. Key hunger cues before and during feeding

• Early hunger signals: rooting, turning head toward the breast or bottle, opening mouth, sucking on hands, increased alertness or fussiness when hungry. If you notice these before or at the start of a feeding, it’s a good sign they’re ready to eat.

• Active feeding cues: continuous sucking, slow swallowing, and the baby staying engaged at the breast or bottle indicate they’re feeding and getting milk.

• If feeding starts later than usual or the baby suddenly seems more agitated or fussy, reassess whether hunger cues are present and respond promptly.

Key fullness cues to look for after feeding

• Letting go of the breast or bottle, turning away, or closing the mouth are classic signs they’re finished and satisfied.

• A relaxed body, unclenched fists, and content calm after a feed suggest they're full.

• If the baby shows interest in continuing to feed (stays actively engaged, keeps rooting, or resumes sucking despite the caregiver offering more milk), they may still be hungry and could benefit from an additional short feed or a burp break before trying again.

Common reasons a baby might still seem hungry after a feed

• Inadequate milk transfer during a feeding (rarely, due to latch issues or slow flow) or a growth spurt that temporarily increases milk needs.
• A mismatch between feeding duration and the baby’s intake; some babies feed briefly and efficiently, others may need longer or more frequent feeds, especially in the first weeks.

• After a growth spurt, babies may want more frequent feeds for a short period; offering extra nursing or bottle feeding during the day can help.

Practical steps to address ongoing hunger

• Ensure effective latch and milk transfer: a good latch helps milk flow; if you’re unsure, consult a healthcare professional or lactation consultant. Effective feeding often correlates with babies feeling full sooner and staying satiated longer.

• Try feeding more often or for longer when needed:responsive feeding (feeding when signs appear, not strictly on a schedule) supports adequate intake and growth.

• Burp and diaper change between sides if you’re bottle-feeding or nursing, as wind or a full diaper can distract a sleepy or fussy baby and obscure hunger cues. Complete burping after a feeding to help them settle.

• Track signs of adequate intake: consistent weight gain, regular wet nappies, and stretches of 3 hours or more between feeds can indicate sufficient intake over time.

When to seek help

• If you notice persistent signs of hunger after feeds, poor weight gain, dehydration (very few wet nappies, dark urine), or unusual lethargy, contact a pediatrician or a lactation consultant for personalized guidance. They can assess latch, milk supply, and feeding patterns to rule out underlying issues.

If you’d like, I can tailor these tips to your situation (breastfeeding vs bottle-feeding, baby’s age, any known feeding issues) and suggest a simple checklist you can reference during and after feeds.