As a parent, seeing your baby chew on their tongue can be concerning. However, it’s important to understand that this behavior is actually quite common and can occur for a variety of reasons. From a tongue thrust reflex in newborns to a newfound fascination with their mouth, there are many explanations for this phenomenon.
In this article, I will explore the reasons why babies may chew on their tongues and what it could mean for their development. By understanding the potential causes behind this behavior, we can better support our little ones as they grow and learn. So, let’s dive in and discover more about this curious habit!
Baby Chewing Tongue Habit—More Common Than You Think
As a parent, you may be alarmed when you see your baby chewing on their tongue. However, this behavior is entirely normal and common among babies. Babies often discover their tongue and find it a new and exciting thing to chew on. It usually occurs between the ages of 2 to 6 months when babies are exploring and discovering their bodies. Tongue chewing is not a cause for concern and does not harm babies. It is a harmless habit that most babies outgrow within a few weeks.
Why is the baby chewing on their tongue?
As a parent, it can be concerning to see your baby chewing on their tongue. However, in most cases, this habit is harmless. The reasons why a baby chews on their tongue can vary depending on their age and developmental stage.
Newborn babies
Newborn babies have reflexes that are related to basic needs. For example, the tongue thrust reflex is present until a baby is ready for solid foods. It helps them latch onto the nipple to feed and prevents them from choking. This reflex is engaged when the chin, cheek, or lips are touched. A baby will smack their lips, root around, and thrust their tongue outward to find and latch onto either a bottle nipple or the breast.
Another primary reflex in newborns is the sucking reflex. Babies suck when they are hungry. If it looks like your baby is chewing on their inner cheeks or tongue before or after a feeding, it may mean that they are still hungry. In this case, you may need to adjust your feeding schedule so that the baby spends more time feeding and less time chewing on their tongue.
2 to 3 months of age
At this age, tongue chewing is entirely normal. Babies often discover their hands and feet at this stage and may try to chew on these body parts. If you notice your child chewing on their hands or tongue, there’s a good chance they’re simply using it as a toy and are fascinated with their new discovery.
The sucking reflex hasn’t entirely gone away yet. If you know your baby isn’t hungry between a bottle feeding or nursing session but is still chewing on their tongue, it may be to self-soothe. Much like a pacifier, sucking motion on their tongues or hands can produce a calming effect that can settle them down and help them to go to sleep.
4 to 6 months of age
Older babies are a bit trickier because they develop at different stages. Figuring out what your baby is trying to tell you when you see them chewing their tongue can be a bit of a mystery.
The chewing motion you may have seen your baby engage in may be the beginning stages of preparing to start chewing real food. If your baby does not eat solids yet, they may be trying to tell you that they’re ready by chewing on their tongue. Always consult with your child’s pediatrician before deciding to start on solids.
Around this age, your child may experience discomfort in their mouth due to teething. Excessive drooling, gum inflammation, swollen gums, sticking anything in their mouth they can reach or fit in there, and chewing tongue nonstop are all signs that your little one may be getting a tooth or two. Babies chew when cutting teeth because the pressure and sensation help dull the discomfort. Try offering teething toys. A BPA-free teething toy or one that can be put in the refrigerator or freezer is a great option, as the cold temperature can help to numb the pain of a teething baby. You can also offer teething foods and chew toys to help soothe the baby’s gums.
In conclusion, a baby chewing on their tongue is usually not a cause for concern. It can be a normal part of their development and a way for them to explore their world. However, if you notice any other concerning symptoms or if you are unsure about the cause of your baby’s tongue chewing, it is always best to consult with your child’s pediatrician.
When to worry about baby chewing on their tongue
As a parent, it’s natural to be concerned about your baby’s health and well-being. One thing that may cause alarm is when your baby starts chewing on their tongue. While this behavior is usually harmless, there are a few instances where you need to be concerned and seek medical attention right away. Here are some reasons why you should worry about baby chewing on their tongue:
1. Difficulty breathing
If your baby is having trouble breathing, it could be due to poor muscle tone or an abnormally large tongue. This can be caused by genetics or other issues. In some cases, a large tongue or poor muscle control of the tongue can lead to serious problems such as difficulty breathing. If you notice that your baby is having trouble breathing, contact your doctor immediately.
2. A very large tongue
If your baby has an abnormally large tongue, it can cause issues with speech and communication later on, as well as eating. Poor feeding is a detriment to their nourishment and development. If you notice that your baby has issues with the bottle nipple and can’t stop chewing on their tongue, talk to your doctor. If you nurse directly to your child, a tongue that is too large can impede feeding time because the tongue reflex that helps the baby latch may not work as it should. Contact your baby’s pediatrician so that you and your little one can get some answers and get back on track to good health.
3. The tongue’s shape or position is off
If your baby’s tongue is in an odd position or has an unusual shape, it can end up constantly in the way, and the baby is chewing on it because it’s in the way. Talk to your child’s doctor if you notice that the shape of your child’s tongue is different or if it’s in an odd position.
4. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition that can cause babies to chew on their tongue. It is often present at birth but isn’t always easy to catch. Symptoms include babies chewing on their tongue, cold skin, poor feeding, lethargy, and constipation. Paying attention and looking out for other signs listed here can help you get the needed help. Conditions like mental retardation, one of the results of this disorder, can be prevented if diagnosis and treatment occur early enough in life. The thyroid gland is critical to the body as it regulates vital bodily processes such as body temperature and heart rate. It also affects brain development, spinal and nerve development, and digestion. Living with hypothyroidism is manageable as long as it is caught and treated on time. Many people with serious issues due to hypothyroidism only do so because of a delayed diagnosis and improper or delayed treatment.
5. Genetics
If you or your partner have any thyroid issues within your family, be sure to tell your doctor right away. Congenital hypothyroidism is genetic, meaning that a baby is born with it. If your baby is chewing on their tongue and you have a family history of thyroid issues, it could be a sign of congenital hypothyroidism. That’s why having a full and proper family health history is so important. What looks normal to you because your baby has “always done it” may be a red flag you’re not noticing.
In conclusion, if you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact your baby’s doctor right away. Early intervention can help prevent serious health issues later on. While most cases of tongue chewing are harmless, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your baby’s health.
Do Autistic Babies Bite Their Tongues?
As per the available information, tongue biting is only one marker for autism, and it is not the only one. Autistic children often exhibit other physical symptoms such as lip biting and hand waving. However, if a child only chews on their tongue and shows no other signs of autism, it does not necessarily mean they have it. It is important to note that the tongue plays a vital role in preparing a child for solid food, and tongue chewing is a common behavior in babies. Many of these quirks are outgrown as the child grows older.
When should the tongue chewing habit end?
As babies grow and develop, they tend to explore their bodies, including their tongues. It is normal for babies to chew on their tongues, especially during the teething stage. However, most babies stop this habit by the time they turn one year old.
By this age, most babies are eating purees or table foods, and most parents wean their formula-fed babies from the bottle. This leads to the reflex to suck diminishing and eventually disappearing.
If your child is over one year old and still chews on their tongue, it may be a cause for concern. While it is likely nothing to worry about, it is better to make an appointment with the doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
In some cases, tongue chewing may also occur when your child is tired or irritable and doesn’t have their pacifier. This is most likely to satisfy a need to soothe themselves.
Baby Sticking Tongue Out
When babies stick their tongue out, it may simply be because they have discovered their tongue and find it amusing. It is a normal part of the discovery process and is nothing to worry about. Babies are constantly exploring their bodies and their surroundings, and sticking their tongue out is just another form of communication and amusement. As a parent, it is important to let your child explore and discover on their own terms, without worrying too much about what is “normal” or not.
Conclusion
Based on my research, I have found that babies chewing on their tongues is a common behavior and is usually not a cause for concern. It is often a result of their natural sucking reflex or teething. Parents can offer their babies a bottle, breast milk, teething toys, or real food to help alleviate the behavior. It is important to note that this behavior will eventually stop and be replaced by other strange behaviors. However, parents should always be aware of warning signs of underlying issues and seek medical attention if their baby experiences trouble breathing. Overall, it is safe to live with this odd behavior as long as parents remain vigilant and seek medical attention if necessary.
