The appearance of a long-awaited child in a family is always a joy. Every mother wants her baby not to be sick, always happy and in a good mood. Sometimes at an early age, a son or daughter begins to behave in a new way, and parents can not decide how to react, because it may just be a new habit or symptom of a disease.
For example, many parents are alarmed when the
baby sticks out his tongue. Some see this simply as pampering or playing a baby, while others are wary of such behavior.
Most often, this behavior can be observed in children older than two months. During this period, the baby sticks out her tongue in order to observe the reaction of the parents: to see the smile or tenderness of mom and dad, or simply to attract attention. It can also be simple gymnastics, exploring one's abilities and even imitating adults.
The baby should stick out its tongue only during wakefulness. It is worth noting that in norm it is mobile and tight. You should not scold the baby for this harmless occupation, over time, he will have new interests and more important “things”.
The norm can be considered if the baby sticks out his tongue when his teeth are cut. With it, he feels and massages the swollen gums. Also at this time, you can observe increased salivation in the baby .
A small child sticks out his tongue when he wants to drink, in this way he asks his mother's milk. However, the cause may be abdominal pain. In this case, the baby will be capricious and cry.
If this behavior is often observed during the day, it is worth looking into the child's oral cavity and examining the tongue itself. Perhaps the cause is stomatitis, which externally manifests itself in the form of white plaque.
The baby can “pick up” the fungus that causes this disease through any objects that he puts into his mouth: a pacifier, a bottle, toys.
There are times when a baby sticks out his tongue because he simply does not have enough space in his mouth. Usually over time, everything returns to normal. Such a defect is called macroglossia.
Parents should be alarmed if, in addition to sticking out their tongue, other changes in the behavior of the baby are observed. For example, if a child has a low, hoarse voice, then you should consult an endocrinologist, as the cause may be a lack of thyroid function. The tongue in this situation looks lethargic and as if constantly falls out of the oral cavity. If the disease is started, then delays in development, both physical and mental, may begin.
Another reason why the baby sticks out his tongue may be increased intracranial pressure. With this diagnosis, head tilting and shrill screams are additionally observed. In this case, it is better to contact a neurologist as soon as possible.
Fortunately, the protruding tongue in most cases is just a new kid’s entertainment. But if parents still doubt, then it is worth consulting a pediatrician. After a thorough examination and the necessary tests, he will make an accurate diagnosis or confirm that all your fears were in vain, and the baby is completely healthy.