Baby hunger cues

Baby hunger cues

Baby hunger cues

0-6 Months
Article
Sep 19, 2024
2 mins

Depending on their level of hunger, your baby’s cues may become very obvious to you. The longer their hunger cues go unanswered, though, the more vocal and focused they will be to communicate that they're hungry.

The Birth Stage

Typical hunger cues

  • She will initially be calm and alert, with rapidly moving eyes.
  • She will root by turning her head and opening her mouth, as you touch the corner of it with your clean finger.
  • She may begin to eagerly suck on her hands and smack her lips.
  • If her hunger cues are still unanswered, she’ll begin to fuss, then cry.

Typical signs of fullness

  • She will no longer be interested in feeding.
  • Rooting for your breast will stop.
  • She will often be calm and relaxed and often fall asleep.

When your baby is about 4 - 6 months old

Typical hunger cues

  • By now, you’ve learned her usual cues that let you know that she’s hungry. You’ve tuned into each other’s patterns, so trust this established communication.
  • Hand-sucking may continue before becoming fussy, but it may also be a healthy way for her to self-soothe.
  • She’ll feed when offered the breast, but stop if distracted and search again to resume her feeding.
  • Crying is the last resort, letting you know she’s lost her patience and wants to be fed now.

Typical signs of fullness

  • She pulls off the breast and moves her head away.
  • She no longer shows interest when you offer the breast again.
  • She’s now a much more efficient feeder and may be able to complete her feeding in just 5 to 10 minutes.
  • She’ll be calm and content after her feeding.

When your baby is about 6 - 12 months old

Typical hunger cues

  • Trust the pattern of communication she’s developed that lets you know she’s hungry.
  • She’ll become fussy and restless.
  • When offered the breast she will feed, but stop if distracted, then search again to resume her feeding.
  • Crying is the last resort to letting you know she’s lost her patience and wants to be fed now.

Typical signs of fullness

  • She’ll pull off the breast and move her head away.
  • She no longer shows interest when you offer the breast again.
  • She’s now a much more efficient feeder and may be able to complete her feeding in just 5 to 10 minutes.
  • You will notice she becomes calm and content after her feeding.

GOOD TO KNOW

Recognizing and understanding the importance of hunger and fullness cues can help develop healthy eating habits.

Related articles

View details You can do it!
Article
A guide to breastfeeding_12_EXPLORE_You can do it

You can do it!

Did you know? Your breasts make just the right amount of breast milk for your baby. 

2 mins to read

View details Breastfeeding for beginners: Get confident
Article
Breastfeeding for beginners Get confident

Breastfeeding for beginners: Get confident

Now you’ve mastered breastfeeding in the comfort of your own home, it’s time to get out and about!  

3 mins to read

View details Baby’s first “superfood”
Article
temporary teaser

Baby’s first “superfood”

Breast milk is nature’s perfection. Find out about four breast milk ingredients with special powers that do more than just feed your little one. 

1 min to read

View details Did you know? Breast milk helps both moms and babies
Article
Did you know?

Did you know? Breast milk helps both moms and babies

Breast milk helps both moms and babies.

1 min to read

View details How to support your baby’s growth and health
Article
How to support your baby’s growth and health

How to support your baby’s growth and health

Breast milk contains the right quantity and quality of proteins to boost your baby’s growth and health—both now and in the future. 

2 mins to read

View details What your baby is telling you
Article
Your baby’s hunger and fullness signs_01_EXPLORE_What your baby is telling you

What your baby is telling you

Did you know? Your baby was born with the natural ability to eat when they’re hungry and stop when they’re full.

2 mins to read

View details Protein: the right amount for baby?
Article
A guide to breastfeeding_11_ACT_Protein_too much of a good thing

Protein: the right amount for baby?

Meeting your baby’s protein needs in the crucial first 1000 days is important. Fortunately, breast milk has the right amount of protein for your baby. 

2 mins to read

View details Did you know?
Article
Did you know?

Did you know?

Breast milk is the best start for babies.

1 min to read

View details Breastfeeding for beginners: 4 steps for a successful start
Article
Breastfeeding for beginners: 4 steps for a successful start

Breastfeeding for beginners: 4 steps for a successful start

Everything you need to know about breastfeeding in four steps. 

1 min to read

View details The truth about breastfeeding
Article
The truth about breastfeeding

The truth about breastfeeding

With so much information on breastfeeding out there, can you separate the fact from the fiction? Put your knowledge to the test with our quick quiz.

1 min to read

View details Are they hungry? How to read your baby’s hunger cues
Article
Your baby’s hunger and fullness signs_02_LEARN_Is he hungry

Are they hungry? How to read your baby’s hunger cues

When it comes to feeding your baby, how will you know when to start and when to stop? Simple—they’ll tell you.

3 mins to read

View details Understanding mastitis and breast pain
Article
A guide to breastfeeding_15_EXPLORE_Understanding mastitis

Understanding mastitis and breast pain

Did you know? Up to one in three moms who breastfeed may experience a painful condition called mastitis. 

2 mins to read

View details Breastfeeding for beginners: Get started
Article
Breastfeeding for beginners: Get started

Breastfeeding for beginners: Get started

Like any new skill, breastfeeding can take practice and perseverance to master. Follow these simple steps for a smoother journey and it’ll feel like second nature in no time. 

5 mins to read

View details Your baby knows how much they need
Article
Your baby’s hunger and fullness signs_05_EXPLORE_Your baby knows how much she needs

Your baby knows how much they need

Did you know? Nursing—feeding your baby directly from your breast—helps to protect her ability to drink only as much as she needs.

2 mins to read

View details What is mastitis?
Article
What is mastitis?

What is mastitis?

Did you know?

1 min to read

View details Breastfeeding for beginners: Get a good latch
Article
Breastfeeding for beginners Get a good latch

Breastfeeding for beginners: Get a good latch

Breastfeeding has lifelong health benefits for your baby. Take the time to learn about these latching techniques now, so you'll have an easier time later. 

4 mins to read

View details Your breastfeeding FAQs
Article
Breastfeeding Support – Answers to Common Concerns

Your breastfeeding FAQs

The most common breastfeeding concerns, answered by a Nestlé lactation specialist.

4 mins to read

View details How often will my baby feed?
Article
Your baby’s hunger and fullness signs_06_LEARN_How often will my baby feed

How often will my baby feed?

6 things you need to know about feeding your baby in their first six months.

2 mins to read

View details How to pump your breast milk
Article
How to pump your breast milk

How to pump your breast milk

Everything you need to know about expressing your breast milk and choosing the most suitable breast pump for you.

1 min to read

Join

  Join

Your parenting instincts, our support

Super-sized Savings

SIGN UP & GET A CHANCE TO WIN

Sign up for Nestlé Baby & me and automatically be entered for a chance to win a $100* gift card!

For full details, please visit the Terms & Conditions.

EMAILS & SUPPORT

PERSONALIZED EMAILS & SUPPORT

Receive customized emails with useful info, special offers, & more to help guide you through each parenting phase.

Helpful Resources

HELPFUL TOOLS & RESOURCES

Get access to our helpful and interactive parenting tools & resources in one convenient hub.

EXPERT GUIDANCE

We offer science-based advice & specialized nutritional guidance for every stage of the parenting journey—from preconception to toddlerhood.