Newborn/Infant ​Screening Tips
Screening a newborn for tongue tie or a lip tie typically involves a visual examination and assessment of their feeding habits. Here are some steps to consider when screening for tongue tie:
Visual Inspection: Parents can often see these "tight" attachments.
Visual Inspection: Parents can often see these "tight" attachments.
- For Tongue Tie: Observe the baby's mouth and tongue while they are calm and at rest. Look for any visible signs of a tight or short lingual frenulum (the band of tissue under the tongue). Signs may include a heart-shaped or notched appearance of the tongue tip, limited tongue movement, or a tight band of tissue extending to the tip of the tongue.
- Feeding Observation for Tongue Tie: Observe the baby during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Look for signs of difficulty in latching, maintaining a proper seal, or creating a vacuum for effective sucking. Note if the baby slides off the breast, chomps or bites during feeding, or if the mother experiences pain.
- For Lip Tie: Observe the baby's upper lip while they are calm and at rest. Look for any visible signs of a tight or restricted attachment of the upper lip to the upper gum. Signs may include a thick or tight band of tissue connecting the lip to the gum, limited upward movement of the lip, or a noticeable gap between the front teeth.
- Feeding Observation for Lip Tie: Look for signs of difficulty in properly flanging the upper lip, which is essential for creating a seal and generating negative pressure during feeding. Note if the baby struggles to latch, makes clicking sounds while feeding, or if the mother experiences pain or discomfort.
Weight Gain: Monitor the baby's weight gain patterns. Tongue tie can sometimes lead to slow or inadequate weight gain due to challenges with efficient milk transfer during feeding.
Consult with a Healthcare Provider: If you suspect a tongue tie, consult with a lactation consultant or contact us to schedule an evaluation.