Feeding cues - Questions and Answers

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Feeding cues

How will my baby let me know when they need a breastfeed?

Babies display feeding cues when they are ready for a breastfeed. These may occur with eyes closed or open. They are often seen when the baby still has their eyes closed and this can be confusing for mothers who feel they need to wait for the baby to ‘wake up’ before they feed them. The cues with eyes closed are fine for breastfeeding and are the start of a baby signaling hunger and feeding interest.

The feeding cues are:

Rooting around with the mouth – opening the mouth and moving the head as if looking for the nipple.
Sucking movements and sucking sounds – often quite soft sounds.
Tongue coming out of the mouth and almost licking the lips.
Hand to mouth movements.
Sucking fingers or hand.
Opening mouth and possibly turning the head in response to a touch around the mouth area.

These cues are often called early feeding cues. Crying is a late feeding cue.

Early feeding cues are the most useful ones to use when a mother and baby are learning together about breastfeeding. It is easier to position and latch a baby at the breast when the baby is not upset and crying.

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Where to get help

Midwives

Healthline - 0800 611 116

Well Child

La Leche League

More information on these and other breastfeeding help providers...

Page last reviewed: 31 July 2008