See hunger cues in pictures. Frequent feeding is normal when your baby is first born. Baby may feed as often as every 1 to 2 hours. After the newborn period, your baby should be feeding at least 8 times in 24 hours including during the nighttime.
When your baby is hungry, they will show signs of nuzzling, hand-sucking, or mouthing (opening their mouth and turning their head). These signs can happen when their eyes are closed or open.
These early signs your baby is hungry are the most useful when you and your baby are learning to breastfeed. Try to feed your baby as often as they show signs they are hungry.
Try to feed your baby before they start crying. It’s easier to position and latch your baby at your breast when they are not upset and crying.
Find out how often your baby should breastfeed [1]
Find out about the free lactation consultant service through PlunketLine [2]
Check SmartStart to find breastfeeding support services in your area [3]
This page last reviewed 30 May 2022.
Email us [19] your feedback
Links
[1] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/how-often-should-my-baby-breastfeed
[2] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/free-lactation-consultant-service-through-plunketline
[3] https://smartstart.services.govt.nz/services-near-me/breastfeeding
[4] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/tags/breastfeeding
[5] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/tags/nutrition-0-12-months
[6] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/breastfeeding-hunger-cues-pictures
[7] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/getting-breastfeeding-assessment
[8] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/node/2683
[9] http://file:///C:/Users/KatherineL/OneDrive%20-%20healthAlliance/Documents/01AAA_Website/Nutrition%20and%20obesity/2022/Mama_Aroha-instruction-A5.pdf
[10] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/node/2692
[11] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/node/2684
[12] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/eating-healthy-babies-and-toddlers
[13] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/babys-health-and-nutrition-0
[14] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/node/2042
[15] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/node/2685
[16] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/node/1455
[17] https://lalecheleague.org.nz/get-help/
[18] https://lalecheleague.org.nz/information/
[19] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/contact?from=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kidshealth.org.nz%2Fprint%2F1223