Sticking Out The Tongue: Babies have a habit of using their mouths in a variety of ways. If you notice your baby sticking out the tongue frequently, you may wonder if this is normal behavior. The short answer is yes; sticking out the tongue is completely normal infant behavior.
Here are some reasons why babies stick out their tongues.
1. They’re having fun
Since the 1970s, there has been some debate about whether newborn babies mimic adult behavior. Although older babies do mimic, several studies, including one published in the Journal of Developmental Science Trusted Source, have found that babies as young as a few weeks old mimic adult facial expressions, including sticking out their tongues.
2. It has become a habit
The tongue-thrust reflex that babies are born with includes sticking the tongue out. This makes breast or bottle feeding easier. While this reflex usually disappears between the ages of 4 and 6 months, some babies continue to stick their tongues out of habit. They might also find it amusing or interesting.
3. They are either hungry or full
Crying is not the only way that babies express their hunger. Crying is a late symptom of hunger. A baby’s hunger cues may include sticking out the tongue. When babies are hungry, they may stick their tongues out. Turning the head away, spitting out food or milk, and simply refusing to suck or swallow are all signs of fullness.
4. They have long tongues
A baby with a larger-than-average tongue, known as macroglossia, may stick their tongue out more than usual. Macroglossia can be caused by genetics, as well as an abnormal blood vessel or muscle development in the tongue. It can also be caused by medical conditions like hypothyroidism or tumors.
5. Their mouth is small
A baby’s mouth may be smaller than average due to a variety of syndromes or conditions. Babies with small mouths are sometimes genetically predisposed. Babies with DiGeorge syndrome may have small mouths as a result of changes in the shape of the palate. Other symptoms of DiGeorge syndrome include heart defects and developmental delays.
6. They have low muscle tone
Some babies have low muscle tone. Because the tongue is a muscle that is controlled by other muscles in the mouth, low muscle tone can cause the tongue to protrude more than usual. Down syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome, and cerebral palsy are all conditions that can cause decreased muscle tone.
7. Mouth breather
Babies breathe primarily through their noses. If your baby has nasal congestion or large tonsils, they may prefer to breathe through their mouth. It can cause the tongue to stick out.
8. A mass in the mouth
A mass or swollen gland in a baby’s mouth can occasionally cause the tongue to protrude. That could be a rare case of oral cancer. They are more likely to have an infection that causes a salivary gland cyst.
9. Not Ready for solid food
Some babies respond quickly to solids, while others dislike the taste or texture and may take longer to adjust. If a baby is not yet ready for solid foods, they may sticking out their tongue out to push the food away or get it out of their mouth. They may not yet have the necessary oral coordination to eat.
