Do Newborns Stick Their Tongues Out? | Curious Baby Facts

Why Do Newborns Stick Their Tongues Out?

Newborns sticking their tongues out is one of those adorable behaviors that can leave parents both curious and concerned. This action, known as the tongue-thrust reflex, is a natural and healthy part of infant development. It primarily serves as a survival mechanism to help babies latch onto the breast or bottle during feeding. The reflex causes the tongue to push outward when touched or stimulated, preventing choking and guiding milk flow.

This behavior also plays a role in sensory exploration. Since newborns rely heavily on oral sensations to understand their environment, sticking out their tongues helps them process new textures and tastes. It’s not unusual for babies to experiment with this motion even when they’re not hungry, simply because it feels interesting or comforting.

In fact, this reflex is so ingrained that it’s present from birth and usually fades by around 4 to 6 months of age, coinciding with the introduction of solid foods and improved oral motor control. Parents should see it as a sign that their baby’s neurological system is developing normally.

The Science Behind Tongue-Thrust Reflex

The tongue-thrust reflex is controlled by the brainstem, which governs many automatic functions in newborns. When the baby’s lips or tongue are touched, the brainstem triggers the tongue to push forward. This prevents food from entering the airway incorrectly and helps create a seal around the nipple for effective suckling.

This reflex is also linked with rooting—the action where babies turn their heads toward stimuli near their mouths. Together, these reflexes ensure newborns can find nourishment even before they fully understand how to feed themselves.

Here’s an overview of how this reflex fits into early development:

Reflex	Purpose	Typical Duration
Tongue-Thrust Reflex	Helps with breastfeeding latch and prevents choking	Birth to ~4-6 months
Rooting Reflex	Aids in locating nipple for feeding	Birth to ~4 months
Sucking Reflex	Enables sucking for milk intake	Birth to ~4 months (then voluntary sucking develops)

Understanding these reflexes clarifies why newborns stick their tongues out so frequently—it’s all about survival instincts wired into their brains.

Tongue-Sticking Beyond Feeding: Sensory Development

Babies explore their world through touch and taste because their vision isn’t fully developed at birth. The mouth is packed with nerve endings sensitive to texture and temperature. Sticking out the tongue allows infants to gather sensory information that shapes brain development.

This behavior can also be soothing. Similar to thumb-sucking or hand-to-mouth gestures, sticking out the tongue may help calm a fussy baby by providing oral stimulation. Some babies even use this motion during moments of curiosity or excitement.

It’s important not to confuse this normal exploration with signs of discomfort or medical issues—most babies stick their tongues out simply because it feels natural.

When Tongue-Sticking Might Signal Concerns

While generally harmless, persistent tongue-thrusting beyond infancy or accompanied by other symptoms could indicate underlying problems like:

• Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia): A short frenulum restricting tongue movement.
• Oral motor delays: Difficulty coordinating sucking, swallowing, or speech later on.
• Neurological disorders: Rarely, abnormal reflex persistence may hint at developmental delays.
• Reflux irritation: Babies with gastroesophageal reflux might stick out tongues more due to discomfort.

If parents notice excessive tongue-thrusting past six months or see feeding difficulties alongside it, consulting a pediatrician or lactation consultant can provide clarity and support.

The Role of Tongue-Sticking in Breastfeeding Success

For breastfeeding infants, sticking out the tongue correctly is crucial for effective milk transfer. The baby uses a wave-like motion of the tongue against the nipple to extract milk efficiently while maintaining suction.

Sometimes new parents worry when they see frequent tongue protrusion during feeds—thinking it might mean poor latch—but often it’s just part of the process as babies learn how much pressure works best. However, if accompanied by fussiness or poor weight gain, it may suggest latch issues needing professional guidance.

Lactation consultants often observe tongue movement closely during assessments because improper tongue function can lead to nipple pain for mothers and inadequate feeding for infants.

Tongue-Tie and Its Impact on Tongue Movement

Tongue-tie occurs when the tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth restricts mobility. This condition can limit how far a baby can stick out or elevate their tongue, affecting breastfeeding mechanics.

Babies with tongue-tie may:

• Have difficulty latching deeply onto the breast.
• Show frustration during feeds.
• Exhibit excessive drooling or clicking sounds while nursing.
• Fail to gain weight adequately.

Diagnosing tongue-tie early ensures timely intervention such as frenotomy (a simple snip procedure) that improves feeding outcomes dramatically.

The Developmental Timeline of Tongue Movements in Infants

Tracking how an infant’s ability to control their tongue evolves offers insight into overall growth milestones:

Age Range	Tongue Behavior	Significance
Birth – 1 month	Tongue-thrust reflex dominant; frequent protrusions during feeding.	Aids survival; ensures proper latch.
2 – 4 months	Tongue-thrust begins fading; voluntary movements start emerging.	Mouth exploration increases; prepping for solids.
4 – 6 months	Tongue control improves; less protrusion; starts moving food inside mouth.	Smooth transition toward chewing; introduction of solids.
6+ months	Tongue-thrust mostly gone; coordinated movements for chewing develop.	Mature oral motor skills; speech foundations form.

Parents witnessing these changes should celebrate each step as progress toward more complex eating and communication skills.

The Connection Between Tongue Movements and Early Speech Development

Tongue mobility isn’t just about feeding—it sets the stage for speech later on. Babies who develop good control over their tongues tend to have an easier time forming sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r” down the line.

Early oral motor exercises—such as blowing bubbles or gentle massage—can encourage better coordination. Observing how often newborns stick out their tongues gives clues about muscle tone and neurological health.

Delayed disappearance of primitive reflexes like tongue-thrust could sometimes hint at speech delays but usually resolves naturally without intervention.

Caring Tips for Parents Observing Tongue-Sticking Behavior

Here are some practical tips parents can follow:

• No need to worry: Most newborns stick out tongues frequently without any problem.
• Avoid forcing behavior: Don’t try pushing back your baby’s tongue—it’s involuntary at first.
• If breastfeeding: Watch for signs your baby is feeding well despite frequent protrusions.
• If concerned: Talk with pediatricians if you notice persistent issues beyond six months or difficulty feeding/speaking later on.
• Create stimulation: Offer safe toys that encourage mouthing once solid foods start.
• Kiss those cute moments: Enjoy this quirky phase—it won’t last forever!

The Role of Pediatricians in Monitoring Tongue Movement Patterns

During routine check-ups, pediatricians assess oral motor function along with general neurological health. They look at:

• The presence or absence of primitive reflexes like tongue-thrusting.
• The symmetry and strength of facial muscles involved in sucking and swallowing.
• The coordination between breathing, swallowing, and sucking during feeds.
• The child’s progress toward developmental milestones related to eating and talking.

If any red flags arise—such as persistent exaggerated reflexes past expected ages—they may recommend further evaluation by specialists such as speech therapists or ENT doctors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do Newborns Stick Their Tongues Out?

Newborns stick their tongues out due to the tongue-thrust reflex, a natural survival mechanism that helps them latch onto the breast or bottle during feeding. This reflex pushes the tongue outward when stimulated, aiding in milk flow and preventing choking.

How Long Do Newborns Stick Their Tongues Out?

The tongue-thrust reflex typically lasts from birth until around 4 to 6 months of age. As babies develop better oral motor control and begin eating solid foods, this reflex gradually fades.

Is It Normal for Newborns to Stick Their Tongues Out When Not Hungry?

Yes, newborns often stick their tongues out even when they’re not hungry. This behavior helps with sensory exploration as babies use their mouths to discover new textures and sensations in their environment.

What Does Tongue-Sticking Indicate About Newborn Development?

Sticking the tongue out is a sign that a newborn’s neurological system is developing normally. It shows that brainstem-controlled reflexes, important for feeding and safety, are functioning properly during early infancy.

Can Sticking Tongues Out Cause Any Problems for Newborns?

Generally, sticking tongues out is harmless and part of normal development. However, if the behavior persists beyond 6 months or is accompanied by feeding difficulties, consulting a pediatrician is advisable.