A Mom’s Guide to Tongues Tie in Babies
Updated: Aug 26
If you’ve recently had a baby and found yourself Googling things like “Why does breastfeeding hurt?”, “Why won’t my baby stay latched?”, or “Why does my baby click while nursing?”, you’ve probably stumbled across the term tongue tie.
Before you know it, you’re deep into a rabbit hole of lactation consultants, pediatric dentists, oral exercises, stretches, conflicting opinions, and more questions than answers.
Take a deep breath.
You’re not alone.
I created this blog after walking this road with both of my babies. I met with countless professionals, spent hundreds of hours researching, and cried more than I’d like to admit. More than once, I left appointments feeling even more confused than when I walked in.
Professionally, I’m a licensed Professional Engineer, so researching complex topics and evaluating evidence is second nature to me. But nothing prepared me for trying to navigate conflicting opinions about my own babies’ health which have lifelong consequences.
My hope is that this guide gives you clarity, helps you understand tongue ties, and gives you confidence to make the decision that’s right for your family—not someone else’s.
Most importantly, trust your mom instincts. No one knows your baby better than you do.
A quick note: This article is based on my personal experience, conversations with healthcare professionals, and current research available at the time of writing. It is intended for educational purposes and should not replace individualized medical advice from your healthcare team.
What Is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie, also called ankyloglossia, happens when the small piece of tissue underneath the tongue (called the lingual frenulum) is shorter, tighter, or thicker than usual.
Think of it like a tether. Instead of the tongue moving freely, it’s partially restricted.
Some babies have very obvious tongue ties. Others have what’s called a posterior tongue tie, which can be much harder to identify without someone trained to evaluate tongue function.
Not every tongue tie causes problems. Some babies nurse, bottle feed, eat, and eventually speak without any noticeable difficulties. Others experience feeding challenges from the very beginning, while some don’t show symptoms until they’re older.
The important question isn’t simply “Does my baby have a tongue tie?”
It’s “Is my baby’s tongue functioning the way it needs to?”
Signs and Symptoms of Tongue Tie in Babies
Many of these symptoms can have causes other than a tongue tie, so that is where a comprehensive evaluation is helpful.
Feeding Symptoms
Clicking while breastfeeding or bottle feeding
Difficulty staying latched
Shallow latch even after repositioning
Constant feeding but never seeming satisfied
Long feeding sessions
Falling asleep during feeds
Poor weight gain
Excessive gas
Excessive spit-up
Reflux-like symptoms
Hiccups
Oral Signs
Heart-shaped or notched tongue
Milk blisters on lips
Difficulty sticking the tongue out
Difficulty lifting the tongue
Difficulty moving tongue side to side
Trouble moving food around the mouth as solids begin
Prefers flat pacifiers
Difficulty keeping a pacifier in
Body Tension & Positioning
Some babies with oral restrictions also develop tension throughout their body. I noticed this with both my babies around 1.5 and 2 months.
Possible signs include:
Frequently turning their head to one side
Making a “C” shape with their body
Neck tightness and wanting to lift chin up
Difficulty settling into comfortable feeding positions
These symptoms don’t automatically mean a tongue tie is the cause, but they may help complete the overall picture.
Tongue Tie Symptoms Moms May Notice
Common signs include:
Painful breastfeeding
Cracked or bleeding nipples
Lipstick or football-shaped nipples after feeding
Feeling baby’s gums rubbing during nursing
Plugged ducts
Mastitis
Long feeding sessions with poor milk transfer
If breastfeeding is consistently painful, know that pain should never simply be accepted as “part of being a mom.” You deserve support.
Tongue Tie Symptoms in Bottle-Fed Babies
Tongue ties don’t only affect breastfeeding. Bottle-fed babies may also experience feeding difficulties.
Possible signs include:
Preferring wide-based bottle nipples
Needing a faster flow nipple than expected for their age
Clicking during bottle feeds
Taking in excessive air while feeding
Long bottle feeds despite adequate milk supply
How Is a Tongue Tie Diagnosed?
There isn’t one single test that diagnoses every tongue tie.
Instead, providers evaluate the entire picture.
They typically assess:
Tongue mobility
Oral anatomy
Feeding function
Milk transfer
Weight gain
Breastfeeding challenges
Keep in mind that a strong milk supply or a fast-flow bottle nipple can sometimes mask symptoms, so a baby can feed well even if their tongue function is limited.
Many families benefit from evaluations by more than one provider.
Depending on your baby’s needs, this team may include:
Diagnosis and Release:
Pediatrician (may be able to diagnosis/release, yet typically refers out because release isn't typically done by pediatrician)
Pediatric Dentist (diagnosis/release based on dentistry/jaw development)
ENT physician (diagnosis/release based on medical necessity)
Support Team for care before and/or after:
Myofunctional Therapist
Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Speech-Language Pathologist
Feeding Therapist
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Airway-focused Chiropractor
Each professional brings a different perspective.
A Brief History of Tongue Ties
Tongue ties aren’t a new discovery.
In fact, they have been recognized for centuries.
My step-great-grandfather was an obstetrician in the 1940s at a clinic serving single mothers who struggled to afford infant formula. One of the procedures he commonly performed was releasing tongue ties to help babies breastfeed more effectively.
As infant formula became more widely available in the mid-1900s, bottle feeding became a practical alternative for babies who struggled at the breast. Over time, tongue ties received less attention because many feeding challenges could be managed with a bottle.
In the 1980s, breastfeeding rates began to rise again leading to healthcare providers starting to recognize oral restrictions more frequently. Today, tongue ties are discussed much more often—not necessarily because they are more common, but because awareness has increased among parents and healthcare professionals.
Research continues to evolve, and there is still healthy debate about which tongue ties benefit most from treatment.
Does Every Tongue Tie Need Treatment?
No.
This is probably the biggest misconception.
Finding a tongue tie doesn’t automatically mean a release is necessary. Treatment is generally considered when there is a functional problem along with a potential for long term consequences to not intervene.
Every baby is different.
What Is a Tongue Tie Release?
The procedure is called a frenotomy or frenectomy.
It involves releasing the restrictive tissue underneath the tongue so it can move more freely.
For young infants, the procedure is usually very quick. Recovery looks different for every baby. Some families notice improvement almost immediately.
Others notice gradual progress over the following weeks as babies learn new tongue movements, continue growing, and build strength through feeding and therapeutic exercises.
Why Are Oral Exercises Sometimes Recommended?
This is one of the more confusing parts of the tongue tie journey because recommendations can vary between providers.
The mouth heals incredibly quickly.
Some providers recommend stretches and oral exercises to reduce the chance of the tissues healing back together and to encourage healthy tongue movement as healing occurs.
Others also recommend working alongside professionals such as lactation consultants, speech therapists, feeding therapists, physical therapists, or airway-focused chiropractors to address body tension and support improved oral function.
Because research is still evolving, don’t hesitate to ask your provider why they recommend a particular post-operative plan.
Can Tongue Ties Affect Older Children and Adults?
Tongue ties aren’t just a newborn issue.
Some people don’t discover they have a tongue tie until childhood, orthodontic treatment, or even adulthood such as me.
Possible symptoms include:
Mouth breathing
Jaw tension
Neck tightness
Difficulty sticking out the tongue
Difficulty licking foods
Speech concerns
Bad breath
Difficulty with certain oral movements
Researchers are also studying possible connections between tongue ties, upper jaw development, orthodontic treatment, airway development, and obstructive sleep apnea. While many individuals report improvements after treatment, evidence continues to evolve in these areas.
Questions to Ask Before Deciding on Treatment
If you’re considering a tongue tie release, ask questions like:
Is my baby’s tongue function actually restricted?
What does a release timeline look like?
What improvements should we realistically expect?
What are the risks and benefits?
What happens if we choose to wait?
Can I go to the all the appointments necessary for the post op period?
Am I committed to the care required before and/or after the release surgery?
A provider who welcomes your questions and explains the reasoning behind their recommendations can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Trust Yourself, Mama
One of the hardest parts of becoming a mom is sorting through conflicting advice.
You’ll hear stories from families who say a tongue tie release completely changed their breastfeeding journey.
You’ll also hear from parents whose babies improved with positioning, lactation support, therapy, or simply time.
Both experiences are real.
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to seek another opinion.
At the same time, don’t feel pressured into treatment simply because a tongue tie exists. The right decision depends on your baby’s symptoms, your family’s goals, and guidance from healthcare professionals who evaluate both anatomy and function.
The Bottom Line
A careful evaluation of both tongue function and symptoms is the best way to determine whether a release may be helpful.
Whether your journey includes lactation support, therapy, a tongue tie release, or simply reassurance that everything is working as it should, remember this:
There is no prize for struggling through feeding difficulties alone.
Ask questions.
Find providers who truly listen.
Most importantly, give yourself grace.
Navigating your child’s health can feel overwhelming, but you’re already doing exactly what a good mom does—you noticed something, you cared enough to learn more, and you’re advocating for your baby.
Trust your instincts.
Sometimes they’re the very reason your child gets the help they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common signs of a tongue tie in a newborn?
Common signs include clicking while feeding, difficulty latching, poor weight gain, prolonged feedings, nipple pain, excessive gas, reflux-like symptoms, and a heart-shaped tongue. Not every baby with these symptoms has a tongue tie, but they may warrant an evaluation.
Can a tongue tie affect bottle feeding?
Yes. While tongue ties are commonly associated with breastfeeding, some bottle-fed babies also experience difficulty creating an effective seal, take in excess air, or require faster-flow nipples.
Does every tongue tie need to be released?
No. Many babies have tongue ties that do not interfere with feeding or future development. Treatment is typically considered when there is a functional problem rather than based on appearance alone.
Can tongue ties affect speech or sleep later in life?
Researchers continue to study possible links between tongue ties, speech, orthodontic development, airway health, and sleep. Some people report improvement after treatment, but evidence is still evolving, especially for older children and adults.
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