As mentioned in the Tongue-tie: definition section, a restrictive tongue-tie causes symptoms in your baby. If your little one has a visible anterior tie but shows no signs of discomfort, there’s no reason to worry.
You can stop reading right now and use this time to take care of yourself!
But if you suspect a restrictive tongue-tie, here are a few signs that may help you get a clearer picture.
In the first few weeks of life, your baby typically uses their tongue only for one thing… eating.
So feeding issues are often the first clue.
Signs of Tongue-Tie in Breastfed Babies
Most often, breastfeeding mothers are the first to notice something might be wrong.
Without going into too much detail, breastfeeding requires more precise and effective use of the tongue compared to bottle feeding.
Plus, poor suction affects the mother more than the bottle — after all, bottles don’t complain about being mistreated… at least not yet. #smartbottle.
A 2008 study using ultrasound imaging helped analyze how a baby actually breastfeeds.
Contrary to popular belief, babies don’t use the nipple like a straw to suck milk from the breast.
Instead, they move their tongue up and down in a rhythmic motion.
In short, the tip of the tongue and lips form a seal around the nipple, closing the mouth airtight.
The jaw then drops regularly to create a vacuum in the mouth.
It’s the difference in pressure that allows milk to flow.
When tongue movement is restricted, the jaw pulls the tongue down instead of creating a vacuum.
This breaks the seal, and suction is no longer effective.
Baby then tries to compensate using their cheeks, which is tiring and inefficient. This poor latch can also lead to pain, cracks, and engorgement in the breastfeeding parent.
The back of the tongue is also key for swallowing. If baby can't move it properly, they may choke or swallow excess air.
Signs of a Restrictive Tongue-Tie in Baby
Here are several signs that may indicate a tongue-tie:
Watch your baby during feedings:
- Does milk leak from the corners of their mouth?
- Do their cheeks suck in or chin tremble?
- Do you hear clicking sounds during feeding?
If so, they may have a restrictive tongue-tie.
Other signs include choking during feeds, blistered lips, or slow weight gain…
But be careful — it isn’t always a tongue-tie! A strong let-down reflex can also explain some of these difficulties.
Clues from the Breastfeeding Parent
Poor suction can also be felt… on the parent’s side:
- Painful breastfeeding sessions
- Cracked nipples that don’t heal despite a good latch
- Engorgement, mastitis
- Drop in milk supply
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, consult an IBCLC lactation consultant. They can identify the root cause and offer support.
Try a Quick Test at Home
See if your baby can lift their tongue to touch the roof of their mouth with their mouth wide open. If not → speak to a professional.
You can also download our printable checklist:
If you answered "yes" to more than 8 questions, there’s a high chance your baby may have a restrictive tongue-tie.
Next Step?
If you believe your baby may have a tongue-tie, the next step is to confirm the diagnosis: