Baby Hunger Cues Explained: 3 Phases to Watch For
Early Cues, Active Cues, Late Cues for Infant Hunger
“How do I need to know when the baby needs to eat?”
If you are a new parent or considering breastfeeding, this question is likely at the forefront of your mind.
Hi, I’m Kylie and I am an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant and Registered Nurse. I have years of experience working on a Postpartum unit, in inpatient and outpatient lactation settings, and supporting new families in their feeding goals. While some people push a “fed is best” or “breast is best” line of thinking, my philosophy is that the best choice for the families I work with is one where they feel informed and supported in their decision-making around feeding their baby.
Newborns are good communicators about their hunger, and they have their own language
Fortunately for us adults, babies have very specific ways of communicating their hunger! There are three phases of this communication, and they get more assertive with what they are trying to tell us as time goes on. Keep reading to learn more about Early Hunger Cues, Active Hunger Cues, and Late Hunger Cues, and to see video representations of what you are looking for!
Side Note: In the First Two Weeks…
Don’t let your baby go longer than about 3 hours without feeding. Newborn babies need to be fed frequently because they are working to gain weight. When they are first born, newborns have an initial weight loss, and over the first few weeks of life, they gain it back. Follow your pediatrician’s guidance, but usually once a baby has regained their birth weight, you can let them have an occasional longer stretch of sleep, more like 4 hours.
Phase 1
The baby above is showing early feeding cues. You can tell he is starting to wake up because he is stretching, opening his eyes, and starting to turn his head side to side and putting his hands toward his face. This would be the perfect time to unwrap the baby and put him skin to skin with mom.
Phase 2
This baby is showing active cues. She’s wide awake, looking around, and moving her lips and tongue. Her arms look like she is crawling in the air. If she was on mom’s chest, those arm movements would serve to help her move into position for nursing. She would likely latch quickly.
Phase 3
This baby is showing late hunger cues. She’s crying, turning red, and has agitated body movements. It would be best to soothe her and help her calm down before nursing her.
Summary
I hope you found this visual guide to infant feeding cues helpful! If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy:
4 Signs Your Breastfed Baby is Getting Enough Milk in the First 24 Hours
The Secret to a Good Latch (and How to Fix a Bad One)
Are you pregnant and looking for breastfeeding education?
I offer a one-on-one prenatal breastfeeding course designed to prepare you and your partner for the first few weeks of breastfeeding with confidence! In this live virtual course, we dive deep into all the essentials, including:
Understanding infant hunger and fullness cues
How to navigate partner support
Knowing when to supplement and when it’s not necessary
Bottle-feeding techniques that protect breastfeeding
Timing for pumping based on your personal goals and more!
Time to discuss your biggest worries and concerns for breastfeeding
The course is $60, and if you choose to book a visit with me, that fee will be credited toward your appointment. Plus, the course is HSA/FSA eligible, and I’ll provide you with a superbill (medical receipt) to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
To register and schedule, simply email me at Kylie@springslactation.com.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider or lactation consultant before making any changes to your breastfeeding or lactation routine. Every individual's experience is unique, and the information shared here should be considered as general guidance. Please follow the recommendations of your care team regarding your health and your baby's health.
