Why Follow Your Baby’s Cues?

Babies can’t tell time, so the best feeding routine is based on their cues, not the clock. Responding promptly to early hunger signals—rather than waiting until your baby is crying—ensures they get the nourishment they need when they are ready. Feeding on cue supports healthy growth and weight gain, helps your milk supply meet your baby’s changing needs, and makes latching and breastfeeding easier for both of you.

Being responsive early on also lays the foundation for a trusting, secure bond and helps reduce stress for both parent and baby. As your baby grows, they may also breastfeed for comfort, to feel secure, or to soothe themselves. Paying attention to these cues supports both emotional connection and physical nourishment, creating a positive feeding experience.

When to Start and End a Feeding

A healthy baby will give clear signs when they are hungry and full. Responding to early cues makes feedings smoother and more comfortable for both of you. Keeping your baby close, through skin-to-skin contact, babywearing, or rooming-in, can help you notice these earlier hunger cues more easily. When your baby is calm and not overly hungry, latching is usually easier, and feedings are more relaxed and effective.

Infant Feeding Cues

Your baby may show early signs that they’re ready to feed even before they cry. These cues can appear whether your baby is fully awake or still drifting in and out of sleep:

  • Waking up from sleep – gently stirring or opening their eyes
  • Opening and closing their mouth – searching for the breast
  • Sticking out their tongue – exploring or signaling readiness
  • Bringing hands to their mouth – a common self-soothing or feeding gesture
  • Rooting or turning their head to the side – looking for the breast
  • Smacking lips – a sign they’re getting ready to eat
  • Crying – a later sign of hunger; try to respond to earlier cues when possible

Catching these early signs helps make latching easier for both you and your baby. If your baby does cry, try to soothe them first before offering the breast—they’ll latch more easily once calm.

Infant Fullness Cues:

It’s just as important to notice when your baby is full as it is to notice when they are hungry. In the early weeks, it’s normal for babies to fall asleep during or after a feed. To help ensure they get enough milk and leave each feeding satisfied, it’s a good habit to offer both breasts. After your baby finishes feeding on one side—following a burp and a diaper change—offer the second breast. This helps your baby receive a full feed while supporting your milk supply and encouraging steady growth.

Common signs that your baby is full include:

  • Open hands
  • Relaxed face and body
  • Stops seeking the breast
  • Stops swallowing or suckling
  • Releases the breast from their mouth
  • Falls asleep at the breast

Following your baby’s cues for both hunger and fullness helps build a sense of security, supports healthy growth, and makes breastfeeding a calmer, more enjoyable experience.

How often newborns need to eat

Most newborns feed 8-12 times per day. You might expect a feeding every 2–3 hours, but timing can be unpredictable—especially in the first few weeks. Some babies may need to feed more frequently at times, and occasionally they may go a bit longer between feedings. These variations are normal.

Here are some possible signs of poor milk intake:

  • Difficulty latching
  • Painful feedings or sore nipples
  • Always seems hungry between feedings
  • Isn’t having enough wet or dirty diapers
  • Shows excessive weight loss or slow weight gain
  • Cluster feeds every hour for more than three days

Working closely with a lactation consultant and your baby’s healthcare provider can help you create a feeding plan that supports both your breastfeeding goals and your baby’s growth.

Special Circumstances

Some babies—especially those who are born early, very small, or have a health condition—may not show clear signs of hunger. This can make it harder for them to get enough milk and gain weight steadily. In these cases, your baby may need to be woken for feedings or fed on a more structured schedule. With early guidance and support, you can help ensure they get the nutrition they need as they grow stronger and gradually learn to feed more effectively on their own. With your patience and support, you are helping them grow stronger every day.

More Than Just Breast Milk

As your baby grows, experiences like growth spurts, teething, or their first cold may lead them to breastfeed more frequently or cluster feed for a period of time. During these times, it’s natural to worry about your milk supply, but these phases are a normal part of development and rarely indicate a supply problem.

Breastfeeding is about much more than nutrition. Your presence and responsive feeding provide comfort, security, and reassurance for your baby—they are your baby’s medicine as much as your milk is their nourishment. Feeding on cue helps your baby feel close and secure, while allowing your milk supply to continually adjust to their changing needs. This responsive approach supports healthy growth while nurturing a strong, loving bond that continues to grow throughout your breastfeeding journey.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.