Should baby tongue be up or down?

Understanding Baby Tongue Position: Up or Down?
The position of a baby’s tongue is a topic that garners considerable attention among parents, healthcare professionals, and early childhood educators. The question of whether a baby’s tongue should be positioned upwards or downwards is not merely a matter of aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in feeding, speech development, and oral health.
The Importance of Tongue Position
Feeding Mechanics: In newborns, an upward tongue position is essential for effective breastfeeding. When a baby latches onto the breast, the tongue should extend forward and upward to create a seal around the nipple. This motion helps the baby draw milk more effectively. A downward tongue position may hinder this process, potentially leading to inadequate feeding and frustration for both mother and child.
Oral Development: The tongue’s position can influence the development of oral structures. An upward position during infancy promotes proper jaw and palate formation. Conversely, a consistently downward or resting position may contribute to dental issues later in life, such as malocclusion or other alignment problems as permanent teeth emerge.
Indicators of Healthy Tongue Position
In an ideal scenario, a baby’s tongue should rest in a neutral position when not actively feeding. This position is typically with the tongue resting against the roof of the mouth, which is considered optimal for oral development. However, variations in tongue posture can be normal during different stages of development.
Signs of Concern: Parents should be aware of certain signs that may indicate issues with tongue positioning. If a baby consistently has difficulty latching during breastfeeding, shows signs of discomfort while feeding, or if there are noticeable gaps in the palate, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician or a lactation specialist.
The Role of Healthcare Professionals
Pediatricians, lactation consultants, and speech-language pathologists often play vital roles in evaluating tongue position. They can provide guidance and interventions if a baby exhibits signs of tongue tie or other conditions that could affect feeding and speech later on.
Tongue Tie: This condition, known medically as ankyloglossia, occurs when the frenulum (the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is too tight or short, limiting the tongue’s range of motion. This can lead to feeding difficulties and may require a simple surgical procedure to resolve.
Conclusion
In summary, a baby’s tongue position is integral to several critical functions, especially during infancy. An upward position is typically ideal for feeding and oral development, while persistent issues with tongue positioning may signal the need for professional assessment. Parents should remain observant and proactive, ensuring their child’s tongue is contributing positively to their overall health and development.

Should your tongue rest up or down?

So, what exactly is proper tongue positioning? Simply put, proper tongue positioning occurs when someone gently rests their tongue on the roof of the mouth and away from the teeth. During rest, the lips should also be closed, and the teeth slightly parted.

What is the position of the tongue in a newborn?

Conclusion: Newborns without alteration of the lingual frenulum have a tendency to remain with their lips closed and their tongue elevated during rest and newborns with ankyloglossia have a tendency to keep their lips parted and their tongue low during rest.

How to differentiate between oral thrush and milk?

Parents can easily distinguish between a fungal infection and milk residue, since oral thrush patches, unlike milk residue, cannot be wiped off without leaving behind red areas that may bleed slightly.

What is the correct position of the tongue during sleep?

“Your tongue should be touching the roof of your mouth when resting,” explains Dr. Ron Baise, dentist of 92 Dental in London. “It should not be touching the bottom of your mouth. The front tip of your tongue should be about half an inch higher than your front teeth.”

How do you know if a baby has Down syndrome?

Down syndrome is usually diagnosed during pregnancy. If Down syndrome is not diagnosed during pregnancy, health care providers can usually diagnose Down syndrome based on the infant’s appearance. In such cases, the diagnosis should be confirmed using a blood test that examines the child’s chromosomes (karyotype).

Should baby tongue be up or down when sleeping?

In infants with lingual frenulum alteration, the tongue at rest tended to be down- positioned, between the gum pads. In infants with normal lingual frenulum, the tongue at rest tended to be elevated. Data from this study will help health professionals identify possible lingual frenulum alterations.

When should I be concerned about my baby’s tongue?

If your baby’s tongue does not seem to fit into their mouth, or you notice other concerns, such as excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, poor muscle tone, or difficulty feeding, call your child’s pediatrician to discuss your concerns.

What does it mean when a baby’s tongue is up?

Babies stick out their tongues for many reasons, and sometimes, for no apparent reason at all. A baby who sticks out their tongue may be hungry, full, or not like a certain food. Babies may also stick out their tongue to imitate or get a response from their parent or caregiver.

Where should a baby’s tongue be when feeding?

Your baby’s tongue plays an important role in breastfeeding/bodyfeeding (also called chestfeeding). The tongue needs to lie on the bottom of the mouth with the tip over the lower gum.

How to correct baby tongue posture?

➢ Suction on the finger – “tug of war”: Offer your index finger for baby to suck, the tip of the finger against the palate. When baby creates suction, pretend to withdraw your finger to encourage baby to suck and move the tongue forward. Release and start again.