As a mum of two, I've got firsthand experience with the little quirks of babies, and one that barely escapes anyone's notice is dribbling! It seems like it’s a rite of passage - those adorable little faces spilling drool. But have you ever wondered why babies dribble so much? Let’s break it down together!
- Teething Troubles
One of the primary reasons for dribbling in babies, especially between six months and two years, is teething. When those little teeth start to push through the gums, it causes an increase in saliva. It's nature's way of softening the gums, making it easier for teeth to erupt. While it can be an uncomfortable time for our little ones, it’s also pretty cute to see their gummy smiles!
Tip: Try giving your baby a teether. Some teethers, like hi baby's, have a cloth attached. This can be soaked in water and chilled in the fridge or freezer for extra relief for the gums.
2. Developing Oral Skills
Babies are also hard at work developing their oral skills. They’re learning to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing. This process can lead to dribbling, especially if they haven’t mastered swallowing excess saliva just yet. It’s all part of their growth and learning how to handle food and drink.
Tip: Encourage tummy time! This helps them strengthen their neck and mouth muscles, which can assist in controlling saliva. hi baby's cloth mat is great for tummy time to catch the dribble.
3. Babies Love to Explore
As babies grow, they begin to explore the world with their mouths. Everything goes in, and as they play and mouth their toys, excess saliva is produced. It’s their way of understanding textures and tastes (even if they haven’t quite started on solids yet).
Tip: Keep a collection of safe toys on hand. If they have fun toys to chew on, they might be less prone to dribbling on everything else. hi baby's silicone teether is easy to clean and the cloth attached will absorb the excess dribble.
4. Allergies or Reflux
Sometimes excess drooling can point to something more significant, like allergies or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). These conditions can affect how much saliva is produced or how it’s managed. If you notice that your baby is dribbling excessively and appearing uncomfortable, it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician.
Tip: Keep an eye on other symptoms, like fussiness, difficulty feeding, or rashes. Documenting any changes can be helpful for your doctor’s assessment.
5. Tongue Tie
Another reason for dribbling in babies can be tongue tie, a condition where the thin strip of tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is shorter than usual. This can restrict the tongue's movement, affecting the baby's ability to swallow saliva properly. If you notice your baby is dribbling excessively and has difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding, tongue tie might be a factor.
Tip: If you suspect tongue tie, consult with your pediatrician or a pediatric dentist. They can assess the condition and discuss potential treatments.
Managing the Dribble
Now that we understand some common reasons for drooling, let’s discuss ways we can manage it:
- Bibs are Your Friends: Keep a stash of absorbent, waterproof bibs handy like those available at hi baby. Not only do they protect your baby's clothes and unnecessary outfit changes, but they can also prevent uncomfortable dribble rash. hi baby only uses organic cotton as it's gentler on your baby's delicate skin reducing the risk of irritation.
- Frequent Wipe Downs: Have soft washcloths around to wipe your baby’s chin and mouth regularly. This can prevent skin irritation.
- Stay Hydrated: Make sure your baby is getting enough fluids by giving extra water, fruits and vegetables during peak dribble periods.
- Comforting Teething Aids: Whether it’s a cold washcloth or a teether, having something to chew on can alleviate discomfort and reduce excessive dribbling.
- Consult Experts: If you're ever in doubt about your baby’s drooling, chatting with your pediatrician can give you peace of mind.
In Conclusion
Babies dribble for various reasons, and while it can be a bit messy, it’s generally a normal part of their development. Embrace this stage and remember that you're not alone on this journey. We’re all trying to learn the ropes of motherhood, one dribble at a time! Keep those bibs handy and cherish those adorable gummy smiles.