Why does my baby jaw click when breastfeeding?

Understanding the Clicking Sound During Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the experience of breastfeeding can come with a variety of sounds, including a noticeable clicking noise made by their baby. This phenomenon can be concerning, but it is often a normal part of the breastfeeding process.
What Causes the Clicking Sound?
The clicking sound that some babies make while breastfeeding is typically the result of the baby breaking the seal between their mouth and the breast. This occurs when the baby releases the vacuum or negative pressure created during suckling. As they adjust their latch or reposition their tongue, the sound is produced as air enters the oral cavity.
This clicking can happen for several reasons:
1. Latch Issues: If the baby is not latched on properly, they may struggle to maintain the necessary suction, leading to the clicking sound. A deep latch is crucial for effective breastfeeding, as it allows the baby to draw milk efficiently while minimizing discomfort for the mother.
2. Tongue Movement: The baby’s tongue plays a significant role in breastfeeding. It not only helps in suckling but also shapes the jaw during this critical growth phase. If the tongue is not moving correctly—perhaps due to a condition like tongue tie—it can lead to a less effective latch and the resultant clicking sound.
3. Natural Feeding Behavior: Babies are instinctively designed to breastfeed, and their feeding patterns can vary. Sometimes, they may adjust their position or suckling technique, which can cause temporary clicking as they find a comfortable rhythm.
When to Be Concerned
In most cases, the clicking sound is harmless and does not indicate a problem. However, if the clicking is accompanied by signs of distress, such as fussiness, poor weight gain, or if the mother experiences pain during breastfeeding, it may be worth consulting a lactation consultant or pediatrician. They can assess the latch and check for any underlying issues, such as tongue tie, that might need addressing.
The Importance of Breastfeeding for Jaw Development
Interestingly, breastfeeding is not just about nutrition; it also plays a crucial role in the development of a baby’s jaw and oral structure. The act of suckling helps shape the jaw and palate, promoting proper alignment and growth. This early functional jaw development is essential for future dental health and can help prevent orthodontic issues later in life.
In conclusion, while the clicking sound during breastfeeding can be surprising, it is often a normal occurrence related to the baby’s latch and feeding technique. As long as both mother and baby are comfortable, there is usually no cause for concern. However, if issues arise, seeking professional guidance can help ensure a positive breastfeeding experience.

Is it normal for a baby’s jaw to pop?

This noise indicates something is wrong with the TMJ joint and should be checked by a dental health professional. In addition to making clicking or popping noises, TMJ disorder can also cause excessive movement in the jaw joints.

Why does my baby’s jaw click when feeding?

Why is my baby making clicking noises?

• Poor positioning/latch
• A strong, forceful letdown
• Engorgement
• Poor tongue mobility/function (Such as tongue tie)
• A weakness of the tongue
• Inability to maintain a seal due to weak muscles or restricted lip (lip tie)
• Body tension or physical limitations such as Torticollis

Should baby’s jaw move while nursing?

Your baby’s mouth should open wide during latch-on. It is important to get baby attached to the areola, with the nipple drawn into the mouth behind jaw lines. This ensures proper attachment. You should see your baby’s jaw, ear or temple move with proper attachment.

How to get baby to latch deeper?

With your baby’s head tilted back and chin up, lift him or her to touch your nipple. The nipple should rest just above the baby’s upper lip. Wait for your baby to open very wide, then “scoop” the breast by placing the lower jaw on first. Now tip your baby’s head forward and place the upper jaw well behind your nipple.

What is Gestalt breastfeeding?

‘gestalt breastfeeding’, which aims to optimise positional stability and intra-oral breast tissue. volumes for pain-free effective breastfeeding. The word gestalt (pronounced ‘ger-shtolt’) means ‘a whole that is more than the sum of its parts.’

Why is my baby making weird noises while breastfeeding?

Babies often make a lot of noise when nursing; this is a common infant behavior. Most of the noises are related to the tongue and the swallowing of milk. Sometimes, the noise is located outside the oral cavity, and we hear it a little “down” in the neck area.

Why does my baby’s ear click while breastfeeding?

There is usually some pressure that builds in the ear when sucking and when there is ear pain, that pressure can be extremely uncomfortable. Baby may try to relieve it somewhat by not getting as tight of a seal around the breast or by repeatedly breaking the suction (thus the click).

Why does my baby make a clicking sound when nursing?

Clicking is caused whenever there is a loss of suction. This can happen both at the breast or on the bottle, and may or may not be seen in conjunction with more obvious signs of “breaking the seal” such as leaking.

Why does my son’s jaw click when he eats?

This type of jaw clicking is normal and usually isn’t a cause for concern. Jaw popping can also happen when you close your mouth, then open it again — like when you’re chewing or speaking. This type of jaw clicking occurs when the articular disk — the cartilage that cushions your jaw joint — slides in and out of place.

Why is my baby’s lower jaw quivering while feeding?

Although it sounds like a straightforward process, breastfeeding actually requires a complex series of muscle movements in the tongue, jaw, throat, lips, and face. It’s especially likely in the first few weeks for your baby’s jaw to quiver or tremble due to muscle fatigue.