As a new parent, you might have heard of the term “sensory hunger” and wondered what it means. Sensory hunger refers to a baby’s need for stimulation through their senses, including touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell. This is because babies are born with an innate drive to explore and learn about the world around them.
When babies don’t receive enough sensory stimulation, they may become fussy, irritable, or bored. In some cases, they may even refuse to eat or sleep. This is why parents need to understand sensory hunger and find ways to provide their babies with the sensory input they need.
Here are some common signs that your baby may be experiencing sensory hunger:
- Excessive fussiness or crying: If your baby seems to cry more than usual or is difficult to soothe, it may be seeking more sensory input.
- Refusal to eat: If your baby is not interested in feeding, it may be because they are looking for more stimulation.
- Difficulty sleeping: If your baby has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, it may be due to a lack of sensory input during the day.
- Restlessness: If your baby is constantly moving, squirming, or kicking, they may be seeking more sensory input.
So, what can you do to help satisfy your baby’s sensory hunger? Here are some tips:
- Provide a variety of sensory experiences: Allow your baby to explore different textures, colours, tastes, sounds, and smells. For example, you can introduce them to different types of fabrics, toys, and foods.
- Incorporate movement: Babies need to move and be active to develop their sensory systems. You can provide opportunities for movement by holding your baby and gently swaying or dancing with them, or by placing them on a play mat with toys that encourage reaching and grasping.
- Encourage interaction: Talk to your baby, make eye contact, and smile at them. Sing songs or read stories to them. These interactions provide important sensory input and help to build connections between neurons in the brain.
- Be responsive: When your baby expresses a need for more sensory input, respond in a way that is appropriate for their age and developmental stage. For example, if your baby is reaching for a toy, hand it to them. If they seem overstimulated, provide a quiet and calming environment.
Sensory hunger, also known as oral or sensory seeking, refers to the desire for oral stimulation in babies. Babies have a natural need to suck, and this need can manifest as wanting to feed even if they’re not necessarily hungry. This can be confusing for parents, who may think their baby is hungry when they’re actually seeking oral stimulation.
Some signs of sensory hunger in babies include:
- Wanting to suck on fingers, toys, or clothing
- Chewing on objects
- Wanting to breastfeed or bottle-feed frequently, even if they’re not taking in a lot of milk
It’s important to note that sensory hunger is different from true hunger. True hunger is a biological need for food, while sensory hunger is a desire for oral stimulation. Babies may experience sensory hunger for a variety of reasons, including teething, developmental stages, and comfort-seeking.
If you think your baby is experiencing sensory hunger, there are several things you can do to help:
- Offer a pacifier: A pacifier can provide the oral stimulation that babies crave without the need for feeding.
- Provide safe objects for chewing: Giving your baby safe objects to chew on, such as teething toys or soft fabric, can also satisfy their need for oral stimulation.
- Offer comfort: Sometimes, babies may seek oral stimulation because they need comfort. Holding your baby, rocking them, or singing to them can provide the comfort they need.
In conclusion, sensory hunger is a natural and important part of a baby’s development. By understanding the signs and finding ways to provide your baby with a variety of sensory experiences, you can help them to explore and learn about the world around them. If you have concerns about your baby’s development, it’s always a good idea to talk to your paediatrician.
