A newborn sticking their tongue out is a common behavior, usually a normal part of infant development and communication. Understanding the context of the tongue movement—whether the baby is calm, feeding, or distressed—helps reveal the underlying reason. While this behavior is harmless, it can also be a subtle sign of hunger or, in rare instances, an indicator that a medical consultation is needed.
Normal Oral Exploration and Reflexes
Newborns are born with the extrusion reflex, also known as the tongue-thrust reflex, which is a primitive defense mechanism. This reflex causes the tongue to move forward and push out whenever an object touches the tip of the tongue, effectively guarding against choking by preventing foreign objects from entering the throat.
This protective reflex is present from birth and generally begins to fade between four and seven months of age. The constant forward motion of the tongue is also part of developing oral motor skills as the baby learns to control the muscles in their mouth. For an infant, the tongue is their primary tool for exploring the world, allowing them to discover new textures and sensations.
Newborns also sometimes stick their tongues out as they attempt to imitate the faces they see. This early form of social interaction and learning demonstrates the baby’s evolving cognitive and motor control. The movement can also simply be a habit or a sign that the baby is noticing the sensation.
Using the Tongue as a Hunger Cue
The movement of the tongue is one of the earliest signs a newborn is ready to feed. Sticking the tongue out, licking the lips, or smacking the mouth are subtle signals that indicate the baby is preparing for a feeding. Parents who respond to these early cues often find feeding sessions are calmer and more successful.
These specific mouth movements are tied to the rooting reflex, where the baby turns their head and opens their mouth in search of the breast or bottle. The tongue protrusion helps the baby prepare the mouth cavity for proper latching. By extending the tongue, the baby is instinctively trying to draw the source of nutrition into their mouth.
When the tongue movement is a hunger cue, it is often accompanied by other active feeding signs. These signs include bringing a hand to the mouth, increased alertness, or slight fussiness. Conversely, a baby may also stick their tongue out when they are full, signaling they are done with the feeding. In this case, the movement is usually paired with turning the head away or refusing to suck further.
When to Consult a Pediatrician
If tongue protrusion is persistent, a consultation with a pediatrician may be warranted, especially if the tongue appears to be constantly out of the mouth or if the movement is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. A constant, resting tongue protrusion can sometimes be related to a larger-than-average tongue, a condition known as macroglossia.
Macroglossia may occur on its own or as a symptom of certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome or Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Another structural issue is ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie, where a short piece of tissue beneath the tongue restricts movement and can sometimes affect the baby’s ability to keep the tongue retracted.
A medical consultation is also important if the tongue behavior is paired with difficulty feeding or breathing. Warning signs include:
- Persistent poor weight gain.
- A refusal to eat.
- Constant drooling beyond what is typical for an infant.
- A struggle to swallow.
- Concerns about breathing, such as noise, flaring nostrils, or a constant need to breathe through the mouth.