Newborns often produce a surprising amount of saliva, leading many parents to wonder if this is normal. While a wet chin can be a common sight, it is frequently a typical part of a baby’s growth and development. Understanding the reasons behind this increased drooling can offer reassurance and help parents navigate this messy, yet often harmless, stage.
Normal Developmental Reasons for Drooling
Babies begin producing more saliva around two to three months as their salivary glands become more active. At this early stage, their oral muscles are still developing, and they haven’t fully learned to swallow efficiently. This immaturity means excess saliva pools in their mouths and dribbles out.
Oral exploration also increases saliva production. Around three to four months, babies explore by putting hands, toys, and objects into their mouths. This mouthing stimulates salivary glands, increasing drooling. It also prepares their mouths for future feeding and speech development.
Teething and Drooling
Teething is a common cause of increased drooling in infants. While the first tooth appears around six months, teeth can begin moving within the gums much earlier, sometimes as early as three or four months. This movement can irritate the gums, and the body produces more saliva to soothe the discomfort.
Saliva associated with teething serves other functions. It washes away food residues and bacteria, protecting developing teeth and gums. It also contains enzymes aiding digestion once solid foods are introduced. Thus, drooling is not only a sign of teething but also a beneficial physiological response.
When Excessive Drooling Signals Something Else
While drooling is often normal, it can sometimes indicate an underlying issue, especially if accompanied by other symptoms. Oral infections, such as thrush, can irritate the mouth and increase drooling. Thrush appears as white patches on the tongue, lips, or inside the cheeks that resemble cottage cheese and cannot be easily wiped away. These patches may cause discomfort or make feeding difficult.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also be associated with excessive drooling. In infants with GERD, stomach contents, including acid, come back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and increasing saliva production as the body tries to neutralize the acid. Other signs of GERD include frequent spitting up or vomiting, arching the back during or after feeding, irritability, and difficulty feeding.
In rare instances, excessive drooling might signal swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) or other neurological conditions. If a baby suddenly starts drooling excessively, has trouble swallowing, gags or chokes frequently during feeding, or shows signs of respiratory distress like coughing or wheezing, seek medical attention. These symptoms, especially if combined with refusal to feed, poor weight gain, or unusual fussiness, warrant a pediatrician’s evaluation.
Caring for a Drooling Baby
Managing excessive drooling involves keeping the baby comfortable and protecting their delicate skin. Regularly and gently wiping away drool from the baby’s mouth, chin, and neck with a soft, clean cloth helps prevent skin irritation. Using soft, absorbent bibs can catch excess saliva and keep clothing dry, preventing moisture from rubbing against the skin. Bibs should be changed frequently when damp.
To prevent or treat drool rash, which appears as red, chapped patches, keep the affected skin areas clean and dry. Washing the area gently with warm water twice a day and patting it completely dry helps. Applying a thin layer of a baby-safe barrier cream or ointment, such as petroleum jelly, creates a protective layer, soothing irritation and preventing further rash. Avoid using scented lotions or harsh soaps that irritate sensitive skin.