Feeding cues and what they mean
Reading your baby's hunger signals
By The Millie's Team · Parenting Notes
Learning to recognise your baby's feeding cues can make the early weeks feel much more manageable. Babies communicate hunger long before they cry.
Early cues
- Stirring and stretching
- Bringing hands to mouth
- Turning head and rooting
Why this matters
Responding to early cues rather than waiting for crying helps your baby feel secure and makes feeding calmer for both of you. It also supports healthy weight gain.
A note on frequency
Newborns typically feed 8-12 times in 24 hours. This is normal and helps establish your milk supply if breastfeeding. Cluster feeding, especially in the evenings, is very common.