The tongue thrust reflex in infants occurs when the tongue moves away from the mouth to assist with breast and bottle feeding. It is said to last 56 months and can protect the baby from choking. So rest easy knowing that sticking your baby’s tongue out to help feed is a natural reflex.
How do I know if my baby is licking?
Tongue thrusting has a number of telltale signs that show up in children who have developed the pattern. These may include: The tongue is visible between the teeth. The tip of the tongue protrudes between the teeth whether the child is resting, swallowing or speaking.
How can I get rid of my baby tongue thrust reflex?
Convert from a mug to a mug with a straw. The shorter the straw, the better. Sucking on a straw causes the tongue to retract (spring back into the mouth), which in turn helps eliminate the tongue thrust reflex.
When does a baby’s licking go away?
Tongue Thrusting After Childhood Tongue thrusting is normal until a baby is about 4 to 6 months old. During this time, the reflex is important because if an infant puts anything other than milk in their mouth, the tongue can squeeze it to avoid choking.
How to get rid of the tongue thrust reflex?
Convert from a mug to a mug with a straw. The shorter the straw, the better. Sucking on a straw causes the tongue to retract (spring back into the mouth), which in turn helps eliminate the tongue thrust reflex.
When do babies lose their tongue thrust reflex?
According to the Mayo Clinic, around four to six months of age, babies begin to develop the coordination needed to move solid food from front to back to swallow and usually stop pushing their tongue. food out of her mouth.
Why Does My Baby Keep Sticking Out His Tongue?
Baby reflexes Babies are born with a strong sucking reflex and feeding instinct. Part of this reflex is the tongue thrust reflex, in which babies stick out their tongue to prevent choking and to hold on to the nipple.
When Should Tongue Thrust Be Corrected?
With an effective treatment plan, your child will see a significant reduction in tongue thrusting within 8-12 weeks. Remember: The therapy sessions will guide your child and keep them on track, but the most important milestones in this journey will be achieved by following the exercise plan at home.
Can tongue thrusting be corrected?
In addition to swallowing therapy, you or your child may need speech therapy to correct any disabilities that may have developed as a result of tongue thrusting. By consistently following weekly therapy recommendations, tongue thrusting can be corrected over time.
How to treat tongue thrust in children?
Most children will outgrow licking by the age of 6. If you see your child’s tongue sticking out between their teeth when speaking, swallowing, or resting and they are past infancy, you should talk to your child’s doctor.
Do children outgrow licking?
What is the licking? Tongue thrust is a forward position of the tongue during rest and a thrust against or between the teeth during swallowing and speaking. A condition of tongue thrusting is sometimes referred to as orofacial (mouth and face) myofunctional (muscle function) disorder (OMD).