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How your baby tells you they're hungry

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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.

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Last reviewed: March 2026

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