Feeding Cues
Updated 04/22
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State of Hunger
Signs of Hunger
I’m getting hungry and ready to eat.
Baby may still be asleep & just stirring.
This is a good time to start a feed.
Baby may still be asleep & just stirring.
This is a good time to start a feed.
Moving in their sleep.
Turning their head (or rooting).
Opening their mouths.
Licking their lips.
Sucking motions & noises.
Turning their head (or rooting).
Opening their mouths.
Licking their lips.
Sucking motions & noises.
I’m really ready to eat – feed me!
Baby will be alert but not upset.
This is a good time to start a feed.
Baby will be alert but not upset.
This is a good time to start a feed.
Stretching.
Fidgeting more.
Bringing fists to their mouths.
Sucking on hands, fingers/toes, tongue, lips, or nearby
objects.
Fidgeting more.
Bringing fists to their mouths.
Sucking on hands, fingers/toes, tongue, lips, or nearby
objects.
I’m hangry and upset!
Baby will be frustrated.
This can be a more difficult time to start a feed.
If the baby is too agitated to latch, calm the baby by holding or placing skin to skin. The baby could also be offered a finger or pacifier to suck on before latching.
Baby will be frustrated.
This can be a more difficult time to start a feed.
If the baby is too agitated to latch, calm the baby by holding or placing skin to skin. The baby could also be offered a finger or pacifier to suck on before latching.
Crying & fussing.
Agitated or frantic.
Turning red & angry.
Refuses to latch.
Agitated or frantic.
Turning red & angry.
Refuses to latch.
