Drippy lips, slippery chins and bubbly little streams that flow day and night – what’s up with all this drool?
Good news, that constant flow is part of healthy development in babies and young toddlers.
Humans have special glands inside their mouths that make saliva (spit).
When babies are around two to three months old, these glands kick into high gear.
Since the muscles needed to swallow excess spit aren’t fully developed yet, the rest simply leaks out of your little one’s mouth.
Although it’s a messy situation, drooling helps your baby enjoy solid foods, welcome new teeth and explore the world through their senses.
Useful saliva
This last point explains why babies put so many things in their mouths.
It’s one way of satisfying their curiosity about everyday objects – in other words, a sign of early learning.
Although you might feel a little queasy when your baby tries to chew on the dog’s leash or any other germ-covered object, remember that nature has ways of fighting back.
Free-flowing saliva cleanses your baby’s mouth and attacks germs that could make them sick.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should let your little one suck on your mobile phone, car keys and other germy objects.
Teaching them what to keep out of their mouths should begin the minute they reach for something dirty, sharp or small enough to block their airway.
Did you know that spit is also a healthy partner in early nutrition?
Saliva moistens solid foods so your little one can swallow them safely.
This creates a liquid pathway to your baby’s taste buds, helping them enjoy what they eat.
Additionally, natural enzymes in saliva begin to break down carbohydrates and fats before they even reach your baby’s stomach.
It’s the first step in turning food into energy for play, learning and growth.
Baby drool flows freely between about two and 18 months of age, around the same time your child’s first teeth make their appearance.
Free-flowing saliva rinses and soothes tender areas inside the mouth.
It also goes after germs that sneak inside the mouth while your baby is chewing on fingers, toys or baby-safe cool treats.
After baby teeth appear, saliva cleanses and coats them with minerals that help repair the damage done by acid-producing bacteria.
Soaking up the spit
Drooling isn’t usually harmful, but the American Academy of Pediatrics does recognise that exposure to saliva can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin and cause a drool rash.
The rash often appears around the mouth, chin and cheeks, but it can also develop on the neck, chest and hands where drool collects.
To manage the dribbles and protect your baby’s skin, let your baby wear a soft, absorbent bib made with cotton.
Be sure to take bibs off before naps or nighttime sleep so that your baby can breathe safely.
You can also gently wipe your baby’s chin, neck and cheeks to prevent rash or redness.
If you’re worried about irritation, ask your paediatrician to recommend a barrier cream or ointment to prevent drool from irritating your baby’s skin.
Other tips include changing bibs frequently so that they will soak up spit and wiping saliva- covered hands with a soft cloth moistened in plain water.
It’s best to wash bibs and cloths in mild, fragrance-free detergent to prevent irritation, and make sure to avoid fabric softeners and stain removers.
Overall, soft cloths made from natural fibres are best for catching drips.
Disposable baby wipes may have alcohol and fragrance that can harm tender skin that’s already under stress.
Be aware
Drooling usually tapers off after about 18 months of age.
If your toddler can’t keep excess saliva inside their mouth by then, talk with your paediatrician.
There may be no cause for concern, but drooling can relate to growth and developmental milestones and medical conditions that your child’s doctor needs to track.
Call your paediatrician if your child is drooling excessively and seems ill, has a fever or has trouble swallowing.
If your child is suddenly drooling, can’t speak, or shows signs of choking or trouble breathing, call 911 (999 in Malaysia) right away.
Drool may be messy, but it’s usually a healthy sign that your baby is growing, learning and developing exactly as they should.
From helping with teething and digestion to supporting early exploration, saliva plays an important role in your child’s first years.
Keep a few bibs handy, protect your baby’s skin from irritation, and don’t hesitate to call your paediatrician if you have concerns about excessive drooling.
Before you know it, this slobbery stage will be behind you. – By Dr Jennifer Shu/American Academy of Pediatrics/Tribune News Service
Dr Jennifer Shu is a paediatrician in Georgia, United States, and is the medical editor of HealthyChildren.org.
