Babies chewing on their tongues between 4-12 months old is normal and harmless. It usually helps them learn how to use their mouths and can provide comfort during teething.
Most babies stop chewing their tongues by 1 year old. If your baby’s tongue chewing interferes with eating or seems abnormal, contact their doctor immediately.
Why Do Babies Chew On Their Tongues?
Discovery of the Tongue
Babies naturally explore their bodies and may chew on their tongues as they discover this new organ.
Hunger
Chewing on the tongue can be a way for babies to indicate their hunger, especially older babies who associate chewing motions with food.
Newborn Reflexes
Reflexes like the sucking and extrusion reflexes can cause babies to extend their tongues and appear to chew on them when certain objects or stimuli touch their mouths.
Preparing for Developmental Milestones
Between 4-6 months, babies may chew on their tongues as they prepare to eat solid foods and begin exploring new sounds and expressions.
Can Teething Cause a Baby to Chew on Their Tongue?
Teething can cause babies to experience discomfort and pain in their gums as their teeth begin to emerge. Babies may exhibit various behaviors to alleviate their discomfort, including chewing on objects during this time.
Babies tend to focus their chewing on items such as teething toys, fingers, or other objects they can easily access.
Can a 2-Month-Old Baby Chew on Their Tongue?
While infants as young as 2 months old can engage in oral exploration, it is less common for them to chew on their tongues at this early stage specifically. Their mouthing behaviors at this age are most likely more reflexive and instinctual. Consult with a health professional if you notice any unusual patterns.
Can a 3-Month-Old Baby Chew on Their Tongue
It is generally normal for a 3-month-old baby to chew on their tongue. At this age, babies are still in the early stages of oral exploration and may engage in various mouthing behaviors, including tongue chewing.
Can a 4-Month-Old Baby Chewing on Their Tongue
A 4-month-old baby may chew on their tongue as part of their oral exploration and developing motor skills. It can also be related to teething discomfort or the beginning stages of preparing for solid foods. As long as there are no underlying symptoms or difficulties with feeding, it is usually considered normal behavior.
Is it Normal for a 6-Month-Old Baby to Chew on Their Tongue?
Chewing on the tongue at 6 months old is not related to teething. It could be oral motor development or seeking sensory stimulation. Monitor the behavior and consult a pediatrician if it persists or if you have concerns.
Chewing on the tongue can be a way for them to soothe teething discomfort or explore their newfound abilities
Why is my 9-Month-Old Baby Still Chewing Tongue?
If a 9-month-old baby is still consistently chewing on their tongue, it is recommended to consult with a pediatrician for a thorough evaluation. Chewing on the tongue at this age may indicate an oral motor issue or other underlying concerns that require attention.
A healthcare professional can assess the situation, determine the cause, and provide appropriate guidance or intervention if necessary.
When to Worry About Baby Tongue Chewing?
Protruding Tongue
If there is a protruding tongue, especially when accompanied by symptoms like constipation, cold skin, poor feeding, and low activity, which could indicate hypothyroidism.
Persistent Chewing After Biting
Babies typically avoid actions that cause them pain. If your baby bites their tongue and continues to chew on it despite experiencing pain, it is advisable to consult with your doctor.
Abnormal Tongue Chewing
If the tongue chewing appears abnormal, such as changes in shape or position, or if it occurs involuntarily, potentially related to orofacial anomalies or genetic conditions.
Is Tongue Chewing a Sign of Autism?
Autism is a complex condition, and its diagnosis involves multiple testing processes conducted at different stages of a child’s life. While some individuals with autism may exhibit tongue chewing or lip biting, these behaviors alone do not confirm or indicate ASD (autism spectrum disorder) in infants.
If you have concerns about autism or want more information about its symptoms and diagnosis, it is best to consult your child’s pediatrician.
When to see a Doctor?
Pain
Babies avoid actions that cause them pain. If your baby accidentally bites their tongue harder or develops a painful sore from excessive chewing, they may cry in response. Offering a chew toy as a distraction is advisable.
Breathing Difficulties
If your baby’s tongue chewing appears excessive and poses a potential danger, it may indicate an underlying issue. Seek immediate medical attention if your baby experiences difficulty breathing while chewing the tongue or shows a bluish tinge around the mouth.
Prolonged Habit
Reflex actions associated with a baby’s tongue chewing should gradually disappear over time. Initially, when babies discover their tongues, chewing may last for a few weeks. By the age of 12 months, most babies should have gained full control of their tongues. If your baby still continues chewing on the tongue at 12 months of age, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Anomalies or Incorrect Oral Development
Abnormalities in the mouth can result in improper tongue positioning, leading to constant tongue chewing in babies. Genetic conditions that cause an unusually large tongue can also contribute to this behavior, as the tongue may interfere with proper chewing.
Tips to Reduce Tongue Chewing in Babies
Observe Hunger Cues: Pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues, such as mouth opening, tongue movements, and lip-smacking. Start feeding them promptly when these cues arise to address hunger-related tongue chewing.
Introduce Solid Foods: If your 6-month-old baby is still chewing on their tongue, it could indicate a readiness for solid foods. Consult with your pediatrician and gradually introduce purees and semi-solids to their diet.
Provide Teething Toys: If teething is causing gum irritation, offering teething toys can provide relief. Choose toys that are safe for chewing and, if available, opt for ones that can be cooled in the refrigerator to further soothe their gums.
Distraction Techniques: If you find the tongue-chewing behavior bothersome, try diverting your baby’s attention with engaging and noisy toys such as rattles or chew toys.
FAQs
Why is my baby chewing their tongue on one side?
Babies may chew their tongues on one side as they explore different movements and sensations. It could be a normal part of their developmental process. However, if you have concerns or notice any other symptoms, it’s best to consult with a pediatrician.
Is it normal for a baby to chew on their tongue even when there’s nothing in their mouth?
Babies often use their tongues as a way to explore and self-soothe. Chewing on the tongue can be comforting for them, even without any specific object or stimulus.
Can chew toys help prevent tongue chewing?
If you observe your baby engaging in tongue chewing while experiencing teething symptoms such as swollen gums and excessive drooling, providing them with teething toys can offer relief.
Why do babies bite themselves?
Babies may self-bit to seek attention, self-soothe, or cope with their emotions. Since babies haven’t developed verbal communication skills, they rely on their behavior to convey their needs and feelings.
Why is my baby chewing on his hands?
Babies chew on their hands because they have discovered them as part of their exploration. It helps them develop motor control and can be enjoyable, especially during teething. If it becomes excessive, offer distractions to keep their hands occupied.
Final Thoughts
If your baby is chewing their tongue, it is usually a normal part of their development and exploration. However, if you have concerns or notice any concerning signs, it is important to consult with your child’s pediatrician.
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