Newborns cannot speak yet, but they still show their needs somewhat clearly. Although parents’ brains are naturally prepared to attune to their child and decode these nonverbal signals, doing so requires some practice, as much undisturbed parent-child time as possible and perhaps a few helpful pointers.
Babies want to come to the breast for many different reasons: to satisfy hunger or thirst, or to meet their needs for closeness, warmth, or security. All of these reasons are valid. We know that frequent and early breastfeeding supports and eases the breastfeeding relationship. In general, babies whose signals are noticed early tend to be more content.
Early feeding cues are also bonding signals
Both are similar in newborns and can often be observed even in light sleep, and also in babies who are not breastfed.
You may notice your baby…
› … becoming slightly restless while still having their eyes closed, with rapid eye movements
› … furrowing their brow and turning their head from side to side (Image 1)
› … making soft sounds while their whole body moves
› … smacking their lips, licking their lips (Image 2), or perhaps sticking out their tongue
› … sucking on their fingers, hands, or fists (Image 3)
› … gradually building up body tension, with fingers held tight or forming fists (Image 4 and 5)
The stronger the need becomes, the more restless the baby will be. Crying is a very late feeding cue (Image 6), which makes relaxed breastfeeding more difficult. The earlier you notice your baby’s signals and offer the breast, the easier and calmer feeding sessions tend to be. Many babies can even latch and feed effectively while half asleep, without fully waking up.
For babies who are not breastfed, it also makes sense to pay attention to these early feeding cues. For babies who receive expressed breast milk or infant formula by bottle, smaller but more frequent meals (8–12 feedings in 24 hours) better match their physiological needs. If your baby continues to signal despite frequent feedings, holding them in close body contact may help.
The art of recognising infant signals and their changes over time
These signals do not always mean that the baby is hungry or wants the breast. However, it is usually worth trying to offer the breast. The more time you spend with your baby, the easier it becomes to decode their signals effectively. Separation, stress, outside interference, excessive phone use, statements from “mumfluencers,” and various baby apps with charts and standardised recommendations can however significantly disrupt parental intuition.
As you build a close relationship with your baby and your baby develops, feeding cues and milk transfer signs (explained below) change: they become more subtle, more individual; some disappear entirely, others change in meaning. For example, if a 3- or 4-month-old baby sucks on their fists, this is usually no longer a feeding cue. Perhaps your baby is discovering their body, finding a way to self soothe, or maybe their gums are itchy…
Parents are therefore continually challenged to decode their child’s nonverbal and individual language and to respond as quickly and appropriately as possible. Trial and error are part of this learning process. On the other hand, babies also learn which signals — and which intensity of signals — their parents respond to. If parents respond late, babies will soon express their needs more forcefully and loudly.
Signs of effective milk transfer
As they breastfeed, babies show us that they are actively drinking milk and/or gradually becoming full:
› At the beginning of a feeding, sucking movements are quick and light (nonnutritive sucking). The fists are clenched and the body is tense.
› When the milk ejection reflex begins, sucking becomes slower and deeper, and the baby starts to swallow (nutritive sucking).
› These two phases may alternate several times during a feed.
› As the baby becomes full, their body and fists relax (Images 7 + 8). › The baby may fall asleep; usually they release the breast on their own, and sometimes a few drops of milk can be seen at the corner of the mouth (Image 9).
› You may also notice the milk ejection reflex in your own body: In the first days after birth, most women feel afterpains. Thirst, sleepiness, or milk leaking spontaneously from the other breast can also be signs. Observe what effective swallowing looks like in your baby at exactly those moments (Image 10).
Trust your baby’s signals — and your own intuition, don’t be afraid of “spoiling” your baby. You and your baby are learning an entirely new language together — one that ultimately no one understands better than the baby and their closest caregivers.
SOURCES:
- Guóth Gumberger Márta and Kubicka Doris; Breastfeeding; GU Publishing
- Wambach, Karen; Riordan, Jan; Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, 5th edition (currently available in the 7th edition — just recently released)
- Wambach, Karen; Spencer, Becky; Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, 7th edition, 2026
- Spencer, Becky; Hetzel Campbell, Suzanne; Chamberlain, Kristina; LEAARC Core Curriculum for Interdisciplinary Lactation Care, 2nd edition, 2024
INTERNATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED LACTATION CONSULTANTS (IBCLCS)
are the only internationally approved breastfeeding and lactation specialists with a medical background. They provide assistance and counselling in all questions related to breastfeeding and breast milk feeding, help with positioning and latching, with breastfeeding problems, and advise on the correct use of breastfeeding aids. IBCLCs support families with premature babies, multiple births or children with special needs. They provide information on issues such as complementary feeding and returning to work, and also counsel and support mothers and families who cannot, are not allowed to or do not want to breastfeed, long after they have weaned.