Why Does Baby Drool?
- Drooling is common and normal for babies and a sign that many important functions are at work, like swallowing and digestion.
- Babies drool a lot while their mouth is developing, but especially during teething due to the cooling effect saliva has on Baby’s sore gums.
- Prevent drool rash by keeping Baby’s skin clean and as dry as possible.
- Contact a healthcare provider if Baby is suddenly drooling excessively and has difficulty breathing.
Just like spit up after feeding, drooling is a common and normal bodily reaction in babies. You might see it as slimy wet stuff that gets everywhere, but it’s actually a sign that many important functions are at work in Baby’s body! Learn what causes drooling and what to do about it.
Reasons Baby is Drooling
Drool is saliva that comes out of the mouth involuntarily. Before Baby’s mouth muscles and teeth fully develop, prepare for lots of dribble! Common reasons Baby drools include:
- Teething: Baby may start teething anywhere from 3-12 months. During this time Baby is producing a lot more saliva to soothe their sore gums while their mouth prepares for their first teeth to come in!
- Undeveloped mouth muscles: Baby doesn’t have full control over their mouth muscles until they are fully developed at around 18-24 months. As they get stronger, Baby will have an easier time swallowing and keeping saliva in their mouth.
- Sickness: When Baby comes down with a cold, their body will produce excess mucus and saliva, causing drooling to happen more often.
Why Drool is Important for Babies
Drool means Baby’s body is using saliva to keep many important functions at work. Aside from having a soothing effect on Baby’s gums during teething, saliva helps Baby with:
- Swallowing
- Washing down food residue
- Softening solids
- Digestion
- Preventing tooth decay
What is Drool Rash?
Babies drool a lot, especially during teething, making it difficult to keep them always dry. However, drool that’s left on Baby’s skin too long can cause irritation known as drool rash.
Signs of Drool Rash
- Skin looks chapped, dry, and red
- May be found around Baby’s mouth, chin, cheeks, neck, or chest
How to Prevent Drool Rash
Keep Baby’s skin clean and dry by wiping their face and chest from drool, especially right before they sleep, after they wake up, and right after a feeding. Some items that may help with baby drooling include:
- Bibs: A bib can help catch Baby’s saliva and prevent drool rash on Baby’s neck and chest. Make sure to change them out when the drool starts soaking through the bib to Baby’s skin or clothes.
- Fresh wash cloth: Use a cloth that is soft and clean to wipe drool off Baby. Throw one into your baby bag for mopping up drool on the go.
- Ointment:* Applying ointment creates a moisture barrier that can help prevent drool from irritating Baby’s skin. Only apply it on dry, clean skin.
*Make sure the ointment or cream is approved by Baby’s healthcare provider before using it on Baby.
When To Contact a Healthcare Provider About Drooling
If Baby is suddenly drooling excessively and has difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately. This could be a sign that Baby is choking or having an allergic reaction. For other non-emergency concerns about Baby’s drooling, talk to their healthcare provider.
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