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.