The decision to start oral feeds is a team decision and this team includes you.

It is based on your baby's:

• medical status
• ability to maintain stability with breathing and heart function
• ability to digest the milk
• ability to cope with the positioning and handling associated with feeding
• ability to remain alert for feeding
• ability to communicate hunger and fullness
• ability to suck, swallow and breathe

Find out more about reading your baby's feeding cues and infant-led feeding below

• Hunger cues 
• Infant-led cue-based feeding