Newborn Sticking Tongue Out While Sleeping – 6 Proven Techniques

Newborns are those tiny humans with big personalities and quirky habits. One such habit that can leave parents scratching their heads is newborn sticking tongue out while sleeping. It’s like they’re saying ‘I’m the boss of my dreams, I own the place. But before you start worrying that your little one is turning into a rude and impolite sleeper, fear not! This strange behavior is actually quite normal and even a good thing. Let us roll our eyes together and understand more about newborn sticking tongue out while sleeping and find out why it’s not the worst thing they could be doing.

Newborn sticking tongue out while sleeping

Imagine, your little bundle of joy snoozing away, looking like an angel, with their tongue sticking out. It’s not exactly what you had in mind for a perfect Instagram post. You see, babies have this thing called the extrusion reflex (cue dramatic music), which means that anything that touches their lips or mouth makes them stick their tongue out. And when they’re asleep, their muscles are so relaxed that their little tongue can’t help but slip out of their mouth like a sneaky ninja. It even helps them breathe easier, especially when they feel a little congested or stuffed up. So, rest assured that your baby isn’t trying to be a silly goose. 

What is Extrusion Reflex

The extrusion reflex (the tongue-thrust reflex), is a natural reflex that occurs in infants from birth until around four months of age. This reflex is an automatic response to anything that touches the baby’s lips or mouth, causing them to push it out with their tongue. This reflex is crucial for newborns as it helps them to breastfeed or bottle-feed correctly.

It is due to the extrusion reflex you may encounter your little one making funny faces. When your baby is in a deep sleep, their muscles are relaxed, and their tongue may protrude from their mouth. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.

Extrusion Reflex at 6 Months

Most babies outgrow the extrusion reflex by six months of age. At this age, you baby should be able to eat solid foods and drink from a cup without pushing the food or liquid out with their tongue.

It’s important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace, and some babies may take longer to outgrow the extrusion reflex. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician.

How to Manage the Extrusion Reflex in Your Newborn

The extrusion reflex is a natural reflex that babies exhibit from birth, and there is no way to prevent it. However, there are some things you can do to manage the extrusion reflex in your newborn.

One way to manage the extrusion reflex is to wait until your baby is hungry before offering a pacifier or bottle. This will ensure that your baby is motivated to suck, and they are less likely to push the pacifier or bottle out with their tongue.

Another way to manage the extrusion reflex is to try different types of pacifiers or bottles. Every baby is different, and some babies may prefer a different brand or nipple.

When to Consult a Pediatrician About Tongue Extrusion Reflex

If you are concerned about your baby’s tongue extrusion reflex, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician. Your pediatrician can evaluate your baby and determine if there are any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the tongue extrusion reflex.

Consult with your pediatrician if your baby is not gaining weight or is having difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.

Techniques and Exercises to Promote Tongue Development

• Tongue Extension Exercises – One way to encourage tongue muscle strength is by gently pulling out your baby’s tongue and holding it out for a few seconds. This exercise can be done a few times a day and can help promote tongue mobility.
• Lip and Tongue Massage – Another exercise that can help promote tongue muscle strength is a gentle massage. Using a clean finger, gently massage your baby’s lips and tongue in a circular motion. This can help improve oral sensory awareness and promote tongue movement.
• Pacifier Use – Using a pacifier can help encourage tongue and jaw muscle development. However, it’s important to use an age-appropriate pacifier and avoid extended pacifier use after 6 months of age.

Age-Appropriate Activities

• Tummy Time – Tummy time is an important activity for newborns as it helps promote overall muscle development, including the tongue. Placing your baby on their tummy for a few minutes a day can help strengthen their neck, shoulder, and tongue muscles.
• Reading Aloud – Reading aloud to your baby not only promotes language development, but it also encourages tongue movement and sensory awareness. Choose books with rhymes and songs to help your baby explore different tongue movements.
• Playing with Toys – Age-appropriate toys can also help promote tongue muscle development. Soft toys, teethers, and textured toys can all help stimulate the tongue and promote movement.

Oral Hygiene and Regular Check-Ups

In addition to these exercises and activities, it’s important to prioritize oral hygiene and regular check-ups with a pediatrician. Cleaning your baby’s mouth and gums with a clean cloth or soft toothbrush can help promote oral health. Additionally, regular visits to a pediatrician can help ensure that your baby’s tongue and oral development is on track.

Conclusion

Babies exhibit extrusion reflex from birth until around four months of age. It is an automatic response to anything that touches the lips or mouth, causing them to push it out with their tongue.

You can relax knowing that newborn tongue sticking out while sleeping is a completely normal behavior. It is a sign of their developing nervous system and oral motor skills. It is important to note that if you notice any concerning behaviors with feeding or speech development, consult with your pediatrician. 

If your baby is pushing pacifiers or bottles out with their tongue, this is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. It’s important to remember that every baby is different, and some babies may outgrow the extrusion reflex later than others.

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Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.