Babies show us that they are hungry long before they cry.
Watch your baby instead of the clock.
![feeding cues](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-11/bigstock-Young-Mother-Giving-Birth-To-A-96907274.jpg?h=2fe83602&itok=IwFI1fRx)
By recognising and responding to early feeding cues, you can offer a breastfeed to your baby when they are alert and ready but still calm. In this way, your baby will attach and feed more effectively.
When babies are ready for a feed they might:
![feeding cues](/sites/default/files/styles/cards_310x250_/public/2021-10/Kappagoda%2007.jpg?h=aa9062b0&itok=Af010cmE)
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turn their head from side to side
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open their mouth
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move their hand to mouth
![feeding cues](/sites/default/files/styles/cards_310x250_/public/2021-11/Kappagoda%2006.jpg?h=aa9062b0&itok=mB6g8e4c)
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suck their lips and hands
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become restless
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make cooing or sighing sounds.
![feeding cues](/sites/default/files/styles/cards_310x250_/public/2021-11/Kappagoda%2002.jpg?h=1960c9bf&itok=a3LFKur7)
I'm ready for a feed now Mum.
Why are feeding cues important?
Feeding your baby when they show early cues:
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gives your baby an opportunity to attach and feed well
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satisfies your baby's hunger and thirst
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keeps your milk supply up
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lets your baby know you are there when they need you.
If a baby gets no response, their feeding cues may escalate to:
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tense, jerky movements of their arms and legs
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crying
When your baby is crying:
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they may have more difficulty attaching to your breast
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they may not feed well
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you may find your nipples become sore if your baby isn’t well-attached
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it's harder to calm baby down to feed.
© Australian Breastfeeding Association April 2022
Read more about getting breastfeeding started
Online interactive session free for members
Newborn Virtual Village - Learning your baby's feeding and other cues
![new parents viewing laptop](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2023-04/Workshop-BEL-PhotoOnly-968x657px%20square_2.jpg?h=2e74ff73&itok=Yc4rpDoA)
Evidence-led info and practical tips from our Breastfeeding Information Series
Breastfeeding: an introduction
![Introduction booklet](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2021-11/Page-1_an-introduction_OCT-2021_0.jpg?h=5e404636&itok=YcAnIuLS)