Evie Summers
Drooling is a common occurrence in newborns and babies, and it is considered a normal part of their development. However, it can be concerning for new parents, especially when it happens during sleep. While drooling is typically harmless, it can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition. This article will explore the reasons behind newborn drooling, address concerns related to sleeping positions and choking hazards, and provide practical tips for managing excessive drooling to ensure the comfort and well-being of your little one.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drooling in newborns | Normal |
| Reasons | Poor muscle development, teething, illness, hypersalivation, reflux |
| Treatment | Washcloths, creams or ointments, bibs, limiting pacifier use, chewing on popsicles or cold objects |
| Excessive drooling | Could be a choking hazard or difficulty swallowing |
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What You'll Learn
Drooling is normal during the first two years of life
Drooling is a normal part of a baby's development during the first two years of their life. Babies drool because they haven't yet developed full control of the muscles around their mouths. Their salivary glands have been working since they were in utero, but they don't develop full control over their swallowing muscles and the muscles around the mouth until they are between 18 and 24 months. Instead of swallowing saliva, it pools in their mouth and dribbles out.
Babies also produce more saliva than they can swallow when they are teething. Their bodies produce more saliva to help soothe their gums, and this can start as early as three months. This is also when babies start putting everything they can reach into their mouths.
Excess drooling can also be a sign of illness. When babies are unwell, their bodies produce more saliva and mucus, which may cause excess drooling. If your baby appears to be drooling excessively and looks ill, they may be having trouble swallowing, which requires medical attention.
Drooling can also be caused by reflux, which is normal for all babies. They will spit up or regurgitate a little milk after some feedings. It is estimated that up to 50% of babies spit up daily.
To prevent a drool rash, keep a soft washcloth nearby to mop up any drool. Apply barrier creams or ointments to block the skin from added moisture.
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Excess drooling could be a choking hazard
Drooling is a normal part of a newborn's development. Babies have weak oral muscles because they are still developing, and they may not have full control of the muscles around their mouths. This can cause saliva to pool in their mouths and dribble out. However, while drooling is common, excessive drooling could indicate a more serious issue.
Excessive drooling can also be a sign of choking or difficulty swallowing, which requires immediate medical attention. If a baby shows any signs of choking, call 911 immediately. In addition, posterior sialorrhea, or excessive posterior spillage of saliva down the trachea, can cause chronic lung irritation called aspiration, which can sometimes lead to pneumonia.
If you notice excessive or sudden drooling, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can determine the cause of the condition and recommend appropriate treatment. Treatment options may include therapy, medications, botulinum toxin injections, or, as a last resort, surgery to alter or clip the salivary glands.
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Drooling is linked to a developing digestive system
Drooling is a normal part of a newborn's development. Babies drool because they have weak oral muscles and are still developing full control over their swallowing muscles and the muscles around their mouth. This control usually develops between 18 and 24 months. Drooling is also common during sleep.
Saliva is vital for digestion, and researchers believe that a baby's excess drool production is connected to the development of their digestive system. Saliva helps babies break down food and does all kinds of good things for the gut. It also coats toys and other objects that babies put in their mouths with disease-preventing proteins and antibodies.
Babies produce more saliva than they can swallow, which then pools in their mouth and dribbles out. This is because their salivary glands are producing more saliva to help soothe their gums when they are teething. Teething typically starts around three months, and the first teeth usually appear on the bottom.
Babies also produce more saliva and mucus when they are unwell, which may cause excess drooling. Excessive drooling can cause a skin condition called angular cheilitis, characterised by painful, cracked sores at the corners of the mouth.
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Drooling can lead to a rash around the mouth
It is normal for newborns to drool in their sleep. Drooling is a normal aspect of a baby's development, and it helps keep their mouth moist, making it easier to swallow. It also softens food, washes away food residue, and protects their new teeth from decay. However, drooling can sometimes lead to a rash around the mouth, also known as a drool rash.
Drool rashes are caused by excess saliva coming into contact with the skin around a baby's mouth and chin and remaining there for a prolonged period. This prolonged exposure to saliva can irritate the skin, causing a rash to develop. This rash typically appears as flat or slightly raised patches with small red bumps and can have a chapped appearance. It may also be itchy and sore.
To prevent drool rash, it is important to keep your baby's skin clean and dry. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe away any saliva from your baby's mouth, chin, and the folds of their neck, especially after feedings and naps. It is recommended to use gentle blotting or dabbing motions to avoid irritating the skin. Additionally, using a bib can help absorb saliva and keep your baby's clothing dry, reducing the risk of the wet material rubbing against their skin and causing uncomfortable chafing.
If a drool rash does develop, there are several treatment options available. Keeping the affected area clean and dry is crucial. Wash the rash gently with warm water twice a day, then pat it dry without rubbing, as this can irritate the skin further. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a soothing ointment can help protect the skin and promote healing. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider if the rash does not improve with home treatment or if it becomes cracked, painful, or infected.
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Drooling is common during sleep
Babies also drool when they are teething, which usually starts around three months of age. Their bodies produce more saliva to help soothe their gums. The production of saliva is also linked to a developing digestive system. Saliva is vital for digestion, and it also helps to break down food and is good for the gut.
Excessive drooling could be a sign of choking or difficulty swallowing, so it is important to keep an eye on your baby. If your baby shows any signs of choking, seek medical help immediately. Drooling can also lead to a rash around the mouth due to irritation from excess moisture, so it is important to keep your baby's skin dry and apply a moisture barrier ointment.
Drooling during sleep is not typical at all times during a baby's development and may require professional intervention. For example, drooling is atypical for children between one to three months of age. It is also unusual for drooling to occur during gross motor activities like rolling or crawling.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is normal for newborns to drool in their sleep. Drooling is a normal aspect of development for babies and is usually a sign that their digestive system is developing. Babies don't develop full control over their swallowing muscles and the muscles around the mouth until they are between 18 and 24 months.
Newborns drool because they have weak oral muscles as they are still developing. Instead of swallowing saliva, it will pool in their mouth and dribble out. Newborns also drool when they are teething or eating certain foods.
To manage newborn drooling, you can:
- Use a bib to catch the drool and protect clothing.
- Apply barrier creams or ointments to block the skin from added moisture and prevent drool rashes.
- Wipe the drool off with a soft, gentle cloth.
