Newborn feeding cues
Newborn feeding cues run from early signs like stirring, lip smacking and rooting, through mid cues like stretching and fist-to-mouth, to late cues like intense crying – the goal is to feed on the early ones, before your baby has to cry for it.
A successful feeding routine starts with learning your baby's hunger cues and signals. It is recommended that babies are fed 'on demand' and not according to a schedule or the clock. This means that when baby shows signs of hunger, they should be fed right away – even if they just finished the last feed! Responding to your baby's cues by offering on-demand feeding will establish a strong feeding relationship and ensure that your baby is getting the nutrition they need to grow and develop. By learning your baby's unique hunger cues, you'll be able to anticipate your baby's need to feed and won't need to wait until they are crying to offer a feed. Remember, each baby is different, so don't worry if your baby's feeding pattern differs from others. Trust your instincts and your baby's cues, and seek support if you feel you need it.
The essentials
- Early cues
- Early hunger cues can be easy to miss and may look like nothing more than active movements – stirring or waking from sleep, lip smacking, and rooting.
- Mid cues
- Look for increased body and mouth movements, such as stretching, kicking and waving, or bringing a fist to the mouth. Feed quickly at this stage to avoid escalation.
- Late cues
- By the time your baby is crying intensely, turning red, or making agitated movements, feeds can be more difficult. Always calm your baby before offering a feed.
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This guide is informed by current evidence and clinical practice. Individual circumstances vary — it isn’t a substitute for advice from your own midwife, doctor or lactation consultant.