Newborns have the habit of moving their mouths. It is normal to see a baby chewing its tongue or sticking it out at this age. Such behavior may trouble you. But there is no need to worry. Baby tongue chewing is common in almost all infants. They first discover their tongue and then chewing them gets interesting for them.
Most babies get rid of this habit by their first birthday. Tongue chewing doesn’t hurt babies. If you find anything abnormal while your baby is gumming the tongue, though, check their mouth immediately for any small object. Normally, babies do it for fun or as a part of natural development.
In This Article
- Why Do Babies Chew On Their Tongues?
- What to Do When a Baby Starts to Chew Tongue?
- When to Worry About Baby Tongue Chewing?
- Should Babies be Given Chew Toys Instead?
- When to See a Doctor?
- FAQ’s
Why Do Babies Chew On Their Tongues?
Tongue chewing in babies is common, but it means different things at different ages. Example: a three to four month old baby chews tongue due to the feeding reflex. Here are some reasons for the tongue chewing habits among babies.
1. Discovering The Tongue
Babies chew their tongues to explore and discover them. They enjoy the process while doing so.
2. Signs of Hunger
Older babies chew their tongues in hunger. It could be one of the ways to let the caregiver know about their hunger pangs.
3. Teething Babies
Babies also chew their tongues to cope with the pain and discomfort caused due to teething. You can be sure of teething in your baby if you see gum inflammation, constant urge to rub the gum or excessive drool.
4. Extrusion Reflex
Babies are born with reflexes. The sucking reflex tells them to suck when their mouth’s roof comes into contact with something. Similarly, when their lips get touched with something babies extend their tongue out and chew it.
5. Preparation For Solids
Babies between four to six months chew their tongues to prepare them for solid food.
6. Preparing For Milestone Development:
Four months old babies also chew their tongues as they try to repeat the sound they hear.
What to Do When a Baby Starts to Chew Tongue?
Tongue chewing is normal in babies but if you are concerned about it you can go for the following interventions:
a. Introducing Teething Food
Teething food includes mango seeds with pulp, peeled carrots, etc. These help to soothe a baby’s chewing tongue repeatedly.
b. Introducing Teething toys
Teething toys are helpful as they relieve babies from pain due to teething. They are ideal for sore gums.
c. Looking For Signs of Hunger
If your baby shows hunger cues like opening the mouth, smacking the lips, or sticking out the tongue, you should start feeding your baby.
d. Starting Solid Food
When a baby is six months old but still chews on the tongue, it could mean that the baby’s hunger is not satiated with only breastfeeding or formula milk. You can start with semi-solid food or purees that are easy for the baby to swallow or chew. Before starting solid food for your baby, do not forget to consult your pediatrician.
e. Distracting Your Baby
If you are bothered by your baby’s chewing tongue you can distract him/her with some rattling toys and break the habit.
f. Fixing a Time For Feeding
If the feeding time is well-maintained, the tongue-chewing habit will be reduced in your baby. A set time for feeding will also reduce the hunger pangs in babies.
g. Check For Tongue Injury
Your baby may hurt the tongue due to repeatedly chewing for a long time. If there is any sign of soreness or irritation do visit your doctor.
When To Worry About Baby Tongue Chewing?
Generally, babies’ tongue chewing is not a matter of concern as they quit the habit once they turn 12 months old. However, you should consult a pediatrician if you observe the following
- The habit of chewing the tongue stays with your baby even after twelve months. Usually, newborn reflexes go away with a baby growing up. Also, babies learn to use their tongues. So, it is natural that chewing the tongue stops when a baby is twelve months old. But, if this habit persists, you should see a doctor.
- When you observe your baby chew tongue even after feeding and the habit interferes with feeding, reach out to a doctor.
- If your baby bites it while chewing the tongue with excessive force then it may bleed, turn red, or bluish. In such a condition, visit your doctor promptly.
- When the baby chews the tongue while struggling for breath, consult a doctor immediately.
- Genetic problems in babies may cause large tongues that may interfere with chewing. If the tongue is improperly positioned, babies chew the tongue constantly.
- When tongue chewing distracts your baby from eating, consult a doctor.
- If you observe tongue chewing or sticking out tongue in your baby together with constipation, poor feeding, cold skin, and low activity, it could mean hypothyroidism in babies.
- Is Tongue Chewing A Sign Of Autism?
- Individuals with Autism may show tongue Chewing or lips biting habits, but it does not confirm that chewing tongue is a sign of autism. Autism is a complex condition and requires multiple tests in various stages of a child’s life to understand it positively. If your baby only displays the tongue-chewing habit and no other traits of Autism, do not assume him/her is autistic.
Should Babies be Given Chew Toys Instead?
Teething toys are good chew toys during teething as they act as a soother for painful gums. You can use them to stop the tongue-chewing behavior in your baby. But while buying, go for quality products to keep it safe for babies.
When to See a Doctor?
If you observe any unusual condition in your baby apart from the reasons for chewing tongue like hunger, teething, playing, exploring and discovering the tongue, etc. you should visit a doctor. It is also essential to see a doctor if your baby is older than a year of age and continues to chew tongue.
Babies may be chewing their tongues for many reasons. It is a common habit and a part of natural development. As they grow up, they get rid of this habit and learn the uses of their tongue. However, you should watch your baby for any underlying reasons behind tongue-chewing. If the habit remains for long, interferes with feeding, or is caused due to other anomalies, consult a pediatrician as soon as possible.
FAQ’s
1. Is it Normal For Babies to Chew Tongues?
Yes, it is normal for babies to chew their tongues. Unless there is any underlying reason for any medical sign your baby wants to signal through such behavior you need not worry about your little one chewing their tongue.
2. When Should The Tongue-Chewing Habit End?
In most cases, tongue chewing stops in babies once they turn one year old. By this time, babies start having purees or solid food and take bottle feed. Thus, the habit disappears as your baby’s sucking reflex also reduces.
3. When Should I be Concerned About my Baby’s Tongue-Chewing Behavior?
If your baby continues the tongue-chewing habit after a year, it may be a cause for concern. You must make an appointment with the pediatrician and get your little one checked to make sure everything is fine.
