How your baby tells you they're hungry

Hunger cues are how your baby shows you they are hungry. Every baby is different, your baby may show some or all of these cues, and they may look a little different each time.

1. Early hunger cues

First signs that your baby is hungry. Learn to recognise these cues so you can feed your baby when they are hungry.

• rooting reflex (turning their head side to side)
• rapidly moving their eyes
• bringing their hands to their mouth
• opening their mouth
• moving their tongue
• becoming more alert and restless
• jerky arm or leg movements

2. Mid-hunger cues

Your baby is getting hungrier. Time to start feeding soon.

• becoming more restless
• more frequent hand-to-mouth movements
• sucking on their lips or hands

3. Late hunger cues

Crying is a late sign of hunger. It can help to calm and settle your baby before offering a feed.

It can take time to learn your baby’s hunger cues. Be patient and trust yourself as you get to know your baby.