By: Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP
Drippy lips, slippery chins and bubbly little streams that flow day and night. What’s up with all this drool?
Good news. That constant (and sometimes annoying) flow is part of healthy development in babies and young toddlers. Here are some fascinating facts about baby drool and the role it plays in digestion, teething, early learning and more.
Why babies drool so much and how it supports growth & development
Humans have special glands inside their mouths that make saliva (spit). When babies are around 2 to 3 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.
Though it’s a messy situation, drooling helps your baby:
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.
Though 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 dangerous bacteria 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 choke them. (Here’s how to prevent choking and what to do if your child can’t breathe.)
Saliva and your baby’s digestion
Did you know that spit is a healthy partner in early nutrition? Here’s how it works.
Saliva moistens solid foods so your little one can swallow them safely.
It creates a liquid pathway to your baby’s taste buds, helping them enjoy what they eat.
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.
Saliva eases teething discomfort & protects new teeth
Baby drool flows freely between about 2 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.
How to prevent drool rash and skin irritation
Drooling isn't usually harmful, but constant 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.
Tips to manage the dribbles and protect your baby's skin
Let your baby wear a soft, absorbent bib made with cotton. Take bibs off before naps or nighttime sleep so your baby can breathe safely.
Gently wipe your baby’s chin, neck and cheeks to prevent rash or redness. You can also ask your pediatrician to recommend a barrier cream or ointment to prevent drool from irritating your baby’s face.
Change bibs frequently so they will soak up spit.
Wipe saliva-covered hands with a soft cloth moistened in plain water.
Wash bibs and wipes in mild, fragrance-free detergent to prevent irritation.
Skip fabric softeners and stain removers that can irritate infant skin.
Overall, soft cloths made from natural fibers are best for catching drips. Disposable baby wipes may have alcohol and fragrance that can harm tender skin that’s already under stress.
When to call your pediatrician about excessive drooling
Drooling usually tapers off after about 18 months of age. If your toddler can’t keep excess saliva inside their mouth, talk with your pediatrician. There may be no cause for concern, but drooling relates to growth and developmental milestones that your child’s doctor needs to track.
Call your pediatrician 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 or your local emergency number right away. Here’s what to do while you wait for help to arrive.
The bottom line on baby drool
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 pediatrician if you have concerns about excessive drooling. Before you know it, this slobbery stage will be behind you.
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About Dr. Shu
Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP, is the medical editor of HealthyChildren.org. She is a practicing pediatrician at Children's Medical Group in Atlanta and served as director of the normal newborn nursery at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire. Dr. Shu is also co-author of Food Fights and Heading Home with Your Newborn published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).