It applies to breast and bottle: watch for early hunger cues (rooting, hands to mouth, stirring) and let your baby stop when they show fullness. It supports healthy appetite regulation and a strong feeding relationship, and is recommended over feeding to the clock or 'finishing the bottle'.
Glossary
Responsive feeding
Responsive feeding means feeding in response to your baby's hunger and fullness cues rather than to a fixed schedule or amount.
Related guides
Is my baby getting enough milk?
If your baby is having regular wet and dirty nappies, gaining weight and settling after most feeds, the milk is very likely going in just fine.
How much formula does my baby need?
There's no perfect number — your baby's hunger cues, wet nappies and steady growth tell the real story, and we'll help you read them.
Try the tool: Baby Feeding Amount Calculator
Related terms
General information, not medical advice. For concerns about your child, talk with your doctor or child-health nurse.