Parenthood is a marvelous, exhausting, exhilarating adventure filled with daily moments of joy – both large and small. For many moms and dads, there are also daily moments of anxiety and worry. Which behaviors are normal, and which should be cause for concern? Is it time to call the doctor, or am I overreacting? It can be tough to tell the difference, especially when you are new to the parenthood role.

Babies do all sorts of wacky things, and it is common to wonder whether a given behavior is a signal of a quirky personality or a sign of underlying issues.

Because little ones don’t have sophisticated verbal communication skills, their idiosyncrasies are all the more mysterious.

One of the mannerisms that often gives parents pause is when babies stick their tongues out frequently. This is a quick guide to the most common reasons for this behavior, along with information on when it’s time to talk with your pediatrician. 

What Does It Mean When Babies Tongue Thrust?

When babies are born, they have a number of reflexes built in to protect them. For example, most begin to suck automatically when nipples or fingers are placed in their mouths.

You may also have noticed the rooting reflex. A gentle stroke of babies’ cheeks causes them to turn towards the touch and open their mouths in search of food. 

The extrusion reflex, also known as the tongue thrust reflex, offers built-in protection against choking.

Newborns aren’t equipped to handle solid foods, so their tongues thrust forward and out to expel any solid or semi-solid objects. This reflex generally begins to fade away between four and six months of age – roughly the same time solid foods are typically introduced. 

In other words, during the early months, the tongue thrusting you see is a perfectly normal part of your baby’s development. However, if your baby is older and already enjoying solid foods, you may feel concerned about continued tongue thrusting.

Usually, it’s just because they have gotten into the habit of sticking their tongues out, and they simply aren’t ready to stop, but there can be other causes for this behavior. 

Is It Normal for a Baby to Stick His/Her Tongue Out?

In the vast majority of cases, older babies who like to stick their tongues out have no underlying medical issues.

It’s simply a sign that they are exploring their bodies – and in some cases, they are enjoying your reaction. Little ones are always looking for ways to connect, and they have noticed how wagging tongues lead to smiles and giggles.

In some cases, seeing too much of your baby’s tongue is related to some other issue. These are seven common reasons that babies stick their tongues out: 

7 Reasons Why Babies Stick Tongues Out

• They are signaling their needs. Babies can’t tell you what they need with words, so they develop a variety of ways to communicate. It is common for babies to stick their tongues out when they are hungry or full to let you know how they are feeling. 
• It’s just a little gas. As the gas moves through your baby’s system, you might see any number of funny expressions. Babies often grimace, smile, stick their tongues out, and any number of other things under these circumstances. 
• They are having trouble breathing through their nose. You know how it is when you have a cold and your nose is stuffy – you have to breathe through your mouth, and it’s tough to swallow. When babies are congested, or they have enlarged tonsils or adenoids, you might notice them sticking out their tongues frequently. It’s a good idea to speak with your pediatrician if you suspect an issue with enlarged tonsils or adenoids, as it might be necessary to have them removed if they are making it difficult for your baby to breathe and eat. 
• They have an underlying issue that causes poor muscle tone. Tongues are muscles, so they can be affected by any condition that leads to poor muscle tone. Examples include cerebral palsy and DiGeorge syndrome. If your baby has been diagnosed with a condition that impacts muscle tone, you may notice a lot of tongue activity.
• They have a larger-than-average tongue. This condition is referred to as macroglossia, and there are a variety of underlying causes. Some babies simply hit the genetic jackpot, tongue-wise, while others have enlarged tongues due to enlarged blood vessels, hypothyroidism, or some other medical condition. If your baby’s tongue seems to be unusually large and you notice issues with eating, a lot of drooling, or problems with swallowing, it’s a good idea to check in with your pediatrician – just in case.
• On the other hand, if it seems like your baby’s tongue doesn’t quite fit in his or her mouth, it could be that the tongue is average-sized, but your baby’s mouth is a bit smaller than most. Again, it could simply be due to genetics, but there are also medical conditions that cause this phenomenon. For example, babies can have micrognathia, the formal name for a particularly small jaw, or space in the mouth could be limited as a result of a cleft lip or cleft palate. These issues are typically identified by your pediatrician right away, so if your baby hasn’t already been diagnosed, it is unlikely that the tongue thrusting you have noticed is related to one of these conditions. 
• Occasionally, there might be a cyst, infected gland, or other mass in your baby’s mouth. That leaves less room for the tongue to rest, causing the tongues to stick out. If you notice anything unusual inside your baby’s mouth, have it checked out by your pediatrician.  

Should I Stop My Baby Sticking His/Her Tongue Out?

In the vast majority of situations, babies sticking their tongues out is nothing to worry about.

As they grow and mature, this behavior will fade away. It is unlikely that you will be successful in stopping your baby from sticking his or her tongue out, and since it is harmless, there is no need to try.

If the behavior is related to an underlying medical condition, it is important to partner with your pediatrician to choose the most appropriate treatment.

Depending on the situation, your baby may stop sticking his or her tongue out when the condition is resolved. 

My Toddler Sticks His Tongue Out All the Time – Should I Worry?

The reasons that older children who stick their tongues out frequently are a bit different than those that impact newborns, infants, and babies. In some cases, it might be caused by thumb sucking, some types of pacifiers, or using bottles well past infancy. 

In some situations, toddlers who exhibit this behavior might not be swallowing properly, or they could have a condition in which the band of tissue underneath their tongue is too short. This is known as “tongue tie”.

If you notice your toddler sticking his or her tongue out all the time, and you have also seen mouth breathing, a speech impediment, unusually fast or messy eating, you may want to have your pediatrician take a look.

Other signs of an underlying issue include your toddler’s  inability to close his or her lips completely, or an open bite in which the front top and bottom teeth don’t meet when your toddler closes his or her mouth. Any of these issues can be corrected – your child’s physician can help you develop a treatment plan.