17/08/2026
🤍 FEEDING CUES — LOOK FOR CUES, NOT THE CLOCK 🤍
One of the most helpful things we can learn about our babies is how they communicate that they’re ready to feed — often well before they cry.
Babies usually show us a progression of feeding cues, and recognising those early signs of hunger can make feeding calmer and easier for both baby and parent.
🌿 Early cues – “I’m getting hungry”
You may notice your baby:
• waking or stirring
• making small movements
• opening their mouth
• turning their head or beginning to seek/root
These are a wonderful time to offer a feed. Baby is generally calm, organised and ready to latch.
🧡 Mid cues – “I’m really hungry now”
Hunger cues may become more obvious:
• stretching
• increasing body movements
• bringing hands or fists to their mouth
• becoming more alert and active
If you notice these signs, it’s a good time to respond before baby becomes increasingly upset.
🌙 Late cues – “Calm me, then feed me”
Crying is actually a late hunger cue. You might also see:
• agitated or frantic movements
• facial flushing/turning red
• difficulty settling or latching
When baby reaches this stage, taking a little time to calm them first can help. Try cuddling, skin-to-skin, talking softly, shushing or gentle stroking before offering the breast.
✨ And remember — you don’t have to wait for a certain amount of time to pass before offering a feed.
Responsive feeding means watching your baby rather than the clock and responding to their individual cues. Some feeds will be close together, some further apart, and cues aren’t always about hunger — babies may also seek the breast for comfort, connection and regulation.
Every baby is different, and over time you’ll become familiar with your own baby’s unique way of communicating. 🤍
Save this feeding cues chart for those newborn days, or share it with an expecting or new parent who might find it helpful. 🤍
