Baby hunger cues: the signs before crying
By the time a baby cries, they have usually been asking for a while. The CDC calls crying a late sign of hunger. Catching the early cues makes feeds calmer for everyone.
Early hunger signs, birth to 5 months (CDC):
Puts their hands to their mouth. Turns their head toward the breast or the bottle. Puckers, smacks or licks their lips. Has clenched hands.
Hunger and fullness cues at a glance
| Signs your baby may be hungry | Signs your baby may be full |
|---|---|
| Puts their hands to their mouth | Closes their mouth |
| Turns their head toward your breast or the bottle | Turns their head away from your breast or the bottle |
| Puckers, smacks or licks their lips | Relaxes their hands |
| Has clenched hands |
Why crying is a late sign
Before babies can talk, they show hunger and fullness with sounds and movements. The CDC notes that crying is often a late sign of hunger, and suggests looking for the other signs so you can offer the breast or bottle before your baby gets upset. A calm baby also latches and feeds more easily than a baby who is already crying.
How to tell your baby is done
Clenched hands relaxing, a closed mouth and a head turning away all say the same thing. The American Academy of Pediatrics adds that a bottle fed baby who becomes fidgety or easily distracted during a feed is probably finished. There is no need to push them to finish the bottle.
Common questions
What are the first signs a newborn is hungry?
Hands to the mouth, turning toward the breast or bottle, and lip smacking or licking are among the early signs listed by the CDC.
Is crying a sign of hunger?
It can be, but the CDC calls it a late sign. Watch for the earlier cues when you can.
Sources
- CDC, Signs Your Child Is Hungry or Full: cdc.gov
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Amount and Schedule of Formula Feedings: healthychildren.org
Written by the FeedEase team. Every sign on this page is checked against the sources above. This is general information, not medical advice: every baby is different, so check with your pediatrician.
