Signs Your Baby May Have A Tongue Tie (And What To Do About It!)

Written By Tory Munro

Before you had a baby I’m sure you never heard of a tongue tie, but now that you’re trying to breastfeed, and things aren’t going well, now suddenly everyone is asking if baby has a tongue tie.

Add that to the list of things you wish someone warned you about prenatally.

Tongue ties are talked about a lot right now and it can be hard to tell what’s normal newborn behaviour, what’s a feeding phase, and what might actually need support.

So let’s slow this down.

A tongue tie (also called tethered oral tissue) only becomes a concern when it affects FUNCTION meaning feeding, comfort, or development. So if someone has ‘looked’ for a tongue tie, but their ‘assessment’ was a quick peek and was done in 2 seconds? They didn’t assess anything that matters.

Here are the big red flags to look for AND who to go to for proper, well educated support.

Breastfeeding Pain That Doesn’t Improve

Some tenderness in the early days can be normal as you and baby first learn what to do.

But ongoing:

  • Nipple pain

  • Cracking or bleeding

  • Lipstick-shaped nipples after feeds

  • Clicking sounds when baby is drinking

  • Chronic Gas & lots of discomfort trying to pass gas

  • Open mouth sleeping

  • Baby being labelled as a ‘lazy feeder’

  • Constantly falling asleep during feeds (along with some symptoms above)

Can be signs that baby isn’t able to use their tongue effectively.

If breastfeeding hurts beyond mild discomfort in days 1-3 but has turned into damage, dreading feeds, and baby’s discomfort, then you need to get support as this is not normal.

Clicking or Slurping Sounds During Feeding

If your baby:

  • Clicks at the breast or bottle

  • Makes slurping noises

  • Frequently loses suction

That can mean they’re struggling to maintain a seal.

When suction isn’t stable, babies often swallow extra air, which can lead to gas, discomfort, and frustration during or after feeds.

Frequent Gas or Fussiness After Feeding

All babies get gassy sometimes.

But persistent:

  • Arching

  • Pulling legs up

  • Crying shortly after feeds

  • Seeming uncomfortable most of the day

May be connected to how they’re feeding, especially if paired with clicking or shallow latch.

Feeding mechanics and tummy comfort are more connected than most people realize.

Long Feeds or Inefficient Feeding

Does it feel like you’re feeding constantly? Or that every feed is 45 minutes long and 10 minutes after you unlatch baby is rooting around and super hungry again?

Signs of inefficient milk transfer can include:

  • Very long feeds

  • Falling asleep quickly at the breast

  • Wanting to feed again soon after

  • Slow weight gain

If baby can’t move their tongue well, they may be working harder than necessary to get milk.

Difficulty With Bottles, Even When You Try Different Ones

Some babies with tongue ties:

  • Choke or cough with faster flows

  • Collapse bottle nipples

  • Get frustrated quickly with bottles that are supposed to be ‘good for oral development’

  • Only take bottles with short nipples like Avent, Como Tomo or Dr. Browns Wide Neck.

  • Refuse bottles altogether

This doesn’t automatically mean there’s a tongue tie but it does show signs of oral dysfunction, or that baby is unable to use their mouth/tongue/lips the way they need to to feed on the bottle.

Body Tension or Limited Mobility

Because the tongue connects through fascia to the rest of the body, some babies with oral restrictions also show:

  • Difficulty with tummy time

  • Preference turning head one way

  • Tension in neck or shoulders

  • Discomfort in car seats or containers

So if you look through your baby photos and baby’s head is always tipped just a little to the same direct in every photo, or they only feed well off of one breast, there is some tension going on and it may or may not be connected to a tongue tie restriction.

Even if it isn’t, baby’s can get massages too and it can help treat all of these issues.

Book one here!

When to Seek Support (And From Who!!)

But if you’re seeing a pattern of:

  • Ongoing breastfeeding pain

  • Clicking or suction issues

  • Gas and discomfort

  • Poor weight gain

  • Frustrating feeds

It’s worth connecting with an IBCLC trained in infant tongue tie support for a functional assessment.

From there, you may also explore infant bodywork or, if needed, a paediatric dental evaluation.

The goal isn’t to “fix” a tongue tie just because it exists.

The goal is to help your baby feed comfortably and thrive.

A Gentle Reminder

Postpartum is already overwhelming.

Add in feeding challenges, conflicting information online, and pressure to make the “right” decision… and it’s a lot.

You are not behind.

You are not overreacting.

And you are not failing.

If you need help walking through whether your baby’s symptoms point to a tongue tie — and what to do next, that’s exactly what my Tongue Tie Support Package is for.

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

If you’re local to the Guelph, Cambridge, Brantford and KW Ontario areas I can help!
Read more about my in home lactation and infant massage bundles HERE.

Tory Munro
Next

Do You HAVE To Get A Tongue Tie Released?