Hello sir,
My baby is 6 months old and he is sticks out his tongue, Is it normal?
what should i do?

Question

Accepted Answer

It’s quite common for a 6-month-old baby to stick out their tongue, and it is usually normal behavior at this age. Here’s why it might be happening and what you should know:

### **Reasons for Sticking Out the Tongue:**

1. **Exploration and Development:**
   - **Sensory Exploration:** Babies explore their world using their mouths, and sticking out their tongue is a part of this sensory exploration.
   - **Oral Motor Skills:** It helps develop their oral motor skills, which are important for later stages of eating and speaking.

2. **Teething:**
   - **Teething:** Babies often exhibit various behaviors, including sticking out their tongue, when they are teething as they may experience discomfort.

3. **Normal Reflexes:**
   - **Rooting Reflex:** The tongue-thrust reflex is a natural behavior in infants, especially when they are exploring new sensations.

### **When to Be Concerned:**

1. **Persistent Behavior:**
   - If the behavior is persistent and accompanied by other signs such as difficulty feeding, not gaining weight, or developmental delays, consult a pediatrician.

2. **Oral Health Issues:**
   - If you notice other symptoms like a white coating on the tongue or signs of discomfort, it might be worth checking for oral thrush or other conditions.

### **What to Do:**

1. **Encourage Healthy Oral Habits:**
   - **Teething Relief:** Offer teething toys or a clean, damp washcloth to help with teething discomfort.
   - **Safe Exploration:** Allow your baby to explore safely and provide appropriate toys that stimulate sensory development.

2. **Monitor Development:**
   - **Watch for Other Milestones:** Ensure your baby is meeting other developmental milestones, such as sitting up, rolling over, or reaching for objects.

3. **Consult a Pediatrician:**
   - **Professional Advice:** If you have concerns or if the behavior is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s best to consult your pediatrician for advice.

### **Conclusion**

Sticking out the tongue is typically a normal behavior for a 6-month-old baby and is part of their developmental process. However, monitoring your baby’s overall development and consulting with a pediatrician if you have concerns will help ensure they are growing and developing healthily.

Hello sir, My baby is 6 months old and he is sticks out his tongue, Is it normal? what should i do?