Extrusion Reflex in Babies – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Why Do Infants Have Thrust Reflex?

The extrusion or tongue thrust reflex protects the babies from choking on food or any foreign objects in the first few months after their birth. This reflex is also responsible for helping the babies latch to the breast. It is an involuntary action that takes place in response to stimuli. The reflex only works when you introduce new things like a spoon in their mouth as they are used to only breasts or bottles. Babies will try to prevent anything that comes into their mouths except nipples or bottles.

Causes of Extrusion Reflex in Babies

Extrusion reflex can happen in the following situations

• When a foreign object is introduced to the baby’s mouth.
• If the baby is not ready for solid food and still wants to continue solely with breast or formula milk.
• The body of your baby is not ready to receive more complex food than breast milk.

When Does Extrusion First Develop in a Baby?

There is no clarity on when the extrusion reflex first develops in a baby. Or whether a baby develops it in the womb or after birth. But most newborn babies have this reflex. This reflex is important as the babies are not able to swallow anything other than liquid in the first few months of their life. The extrusion reflex works together with the sucking reflex. The sucking reflex develops at around 32 -36 weeks of gestation. This helps a baby to suck milk from a breast or bottle.

[Read : Sucking Reflex in Babies]

Signs of Extrusion in Babies

As a parent, you will naturally want to feed your baby different varieties of food prepared by you in the fifth or sixth month. But be mindful of your baby’s readiness for solid foods.

You can test if your little one has an extrusion reflex by trying to give your baby some solid food like baby cereal with breast or formula milk in a spoon. If your baby spits out the food every single time, then it is a sign of an extrusion reflex.

When your baby shows involuntary action and no control over his movements, it is a sign of extrusion. Your baby may show a tongue thrust reflex whenever any new object or food item is introduced to them. The baby will reject whatever comes and touches the lips when their mouth is not ready to take any new object or food.

Treatment Options For Extrusion in Babies

Extrusion reflex will go away automatically when your baby turns 4-6 months. That is why doctors recommend mothers to solely breastfeed the baby.

The extrusion reflex is longer in some babies. There is nothing much you can do. But some parents think that their babies are picky eaters or do not like the taste of the food.

There is no need to worry if your baby spits out the food and refuses to eat. Wait for a few weeks and then try again. Whenever you give solid food to your baby, make them sit in an upright position. Make your baby sit straight on a chair. Highchairs are good for your baby as they help to sit straight.

When Does Extrusion Reflex in Babies Go Away?

Extrusion in babies goes away around four to six months of age. That is when a baby is ready to transition from milk to solid food. Some babies take time to start eating solid food. There is no need to worry. Let your baby take their time in taking the solids.

When to See a Doctor?

Extrusion reflex is natural and not a cause to worry. But if extrusion in babies continues even after six months, then you should visit the doctor. Extrusion reflex in older babies could lead to poor teeth alignment or speech issues like lisping.

You should approach the pediatrician if you notice these symptoms:

• Tongue sticking out while eating, talking or even while the mouth is in resting position
• Inability to close lips properly
• Messy eating with food dribbling out of the mouth
• Baby has difficulty in chewing food
• The baby breathes through the mouth
• The baby has an oral sore
• Baby has cracked or chapped lips

Extrusion in babies is normal during the first few months of life. It is also an indicator that your baby is growing well. Extrusion in babies ideally fades away by six months of age. Do not worry if your baby is taking time to get over this. But if there is any cause for concern it’s better to consult your pediatrician.

[Read : How to Teach Your Baby to Chew Food?]

FAQ’s

1. Does Tongue-Thrust Reflex Go Away?

Yes, the extrusion reflex goes away when your baby is 4-6 months old. When your baby is ready to take new food they will no longer display the tongue thrust reflex. But sometimes it is seen in older babies. In that case, it is recommended to see a doctor. The extrusion reflex in toddlers could result in poor teeth alignment or a lisp while speaking.

2. What Does a Tongue Thrust Look Like in Babies?

Tongue thrust is normal in babies between 4-6 months but as your baby grows up it should go away. Signs of tongue thrust in babies are:

• Baby’s tongue is between their teeth, and they have difficulty speaking and eating
• Baby breathes through the mouth even when they do not have sinuses
• Inability to close the mouth completely
• Speech impediments

3. Can a Pacifier Cause Tongue Thrust?

Yes. If your baby uses the pacifier for too long, then it can cause a tongue thrust. Sometimes the shape of a pacifier can also encourage tongue thrust.

4. Does Breastfeeding Cause Tongue Thrust?

Yes, breastfeeding can also sometimes cause tongue thrusts. It is normal to have a tongue thrust while breastfeeding as it is the reflex in babies that protects them from swallowing anything that can harm them but gradually as they grow up the tongue thrust reflex should fade away. Babies also have tongue thrusts during breastfeeding even when they are not introduced to anything new. They latch on and push the milk out with their tongue without sucking it.

Read also: Gag Reflex in Babies – Causes and When Should You Worry