The MCH nurse told me a really neat little trick to check if bubs is hungry or not - just touch the corner of their mouth with your little fingertip. First one side, then the other, If they turn their head really quickly, chances are they're hungry. It's a lot easier than popping out the BBs (and squirting everywhere, as is the case with me!!) only to find that bubs isn't interested.
I find if Aadi's unsettled and I just can't quickly figure out what it is that's bothering him, or he's worked himself up to the point where he's about to scream, I just let him suck on my little finger. I touch the soft part of my fingertip to his palate and it's like an off-switch! It's easier than a dummy for me, coz it wont fall out! And I can take it out after a minute or so when he's had a comfort-suck and drifted off to sleep, or at least calmed down enough to allow me to work out what's bothering him without me panicking! This is great for when we're out and he's in the sling and I can't get to a "parent's room" in a hurry. I'm resisting getting a dummy for him, if I can help it. I just want to avoid it if I can, same as I haven't given him a bottle yet either.
Right, off to hang out the washing as well!