10 Month Old Putting Tongue Out

Updated on March 22, 2011
S.K. asks from Chicago, IL
12 answers

I don't remember my son ever doing this as a baby(I mean his early months..:-)). But past couple months I see him putting his tongue out most of the time. He is playing right now and has his tongue out. Is there something I can do to stop this habit? I really don't want him to do that. He will be around relatives this week and I am thinking they are going to ask me why he does that. I am looking for an answer to give them. Do you think this is just something new he has learnt ? Do kids do this at around his age? Oh he doesn't have any teeth yet. I think this might seem like a silly question but I have no clue. He is my first. Thanks!

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A.D.

answers from Washington DC on

Totally normal. Both my kids went thru a "lizard" phase. We made jokes about it and moved on. Don't worry, he'll grow out of it.

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A.L.

answers from Washington DC on

Yes, babies do that. Also, you can't worry about what people are going to say and think about everything your child does -- you have to let that stuff go. Every child is different, they each have their own "quirks" and you'll drive yourself (and them) nuts trying to change things you shouldn't worry about.

In the mean time, enjoy how cute he is.

5 moms found this helpful
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P.M.

answers from Portland on

My daughter and grandson both did this until 3-4 years of age. Lots of kids do – it's an interesting sensation and may help them focus on motor skills (like some people open and close their mouths while cutting with scissors…).

4 moms found this helpful
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M.B.

answers from Washington DC on

He may be teething. You could give him something to soothe his gums, if he is. Is he drooling more now? Usually that's a good sign of teething. Either way, since he is just 10 months, I wouldn't try to stop it at all. Totally nothing to worry about:) ...if it were M., I'd try to get as many pictures of him doing this as possible. It's cute, and is definitely something you will enjoy later on when he's older:)

4 moms found this helpful
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R..

answers from Chattanooga on

My DD was doing that last month a LOT. lol. her tongue was constantly hanging out of her mouth. I taught her how to use it to make the blablabla sound, so now she does that constantly. It's normal. Teach him something cute to do with it. I like the blablabla thing, she gets so excited to do it too! We can say it to her and she instantly does it back. She will also do it riding in the cart at the grocery store, and I will hear people laughing and commenting on her as they pass us. "OH! did you see that baby! How cute!!!" Lol. If anyone asks about it, just tell them it's a phase. (or a new trick. :)

4 moms found this helpful
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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

Do you keep freaking out about it and making a big fuss? If so, that might be why he keeps doing it!

He does not know that it is his tongue, that he is sticking it out, and that it is socially unacceptable in your eyes. What he does know is that it probably is a neat sensation and it gets him a lot of attention, so why wouldn't he keep doing it?

It is not a bad habit. If your relatives ask just make a funny joke about him being the next Gene Simmons or part lizard. They're not going to think it is weird.

4 moms found this helpful
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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

It is not going to be a 'habit.'
They just do this.
Both my kids did that too periodically at baby age.

They don't even have "impulse control" at this age.
Nor at-will control.

Never mind what others think. He is only a baby.
It is just developmental. New sensations. They are discovering things.
Some babies blow "raspberries" too, with their mouths/tongues.
Some babies blink their eyes too a lot. That being a new sensation too, and many babies do that too.
That is developmental too.
Or they stick their tongue in and out.
Probably a precursor to talking or babbling.

Its really no big deal.

4 moms found this helpful
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I.G.

answers from Seattle on

Yep, it's normal. Probably teething, or he just likes the sensation. Nothing you can do about it at this age... just wait and it will pass.
As for your relatives, they will probably find it cute!
Good luck.

4 moms found this helpful
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H.W.

answers from Portland on

Oh, he's ten months old! Tell anyone who is offended to take a hike! He's a baby, enjoy his babyness. He does it because he has discovered this new muscle, his tongue, and that he can do things with it! It's fun! Just tell them he's a baby having fun... if anyone complains just say 'Oh, now you are complaining about the baby, and look! He's sticking his tongue out at you!"

He cannot be *intending* to be disrespectful. :) And if you pay it no mind, don't draw attention to it, it will go away after he gets bored with this new 'skill'. Make a big deal out of it, and he'll keep doing it. Take it from M., I've worked with kids for over 19 years, and I've never yet heard of a way to train babies not to stick their tongue out. They don't have the ability to cognitively understand what we are asking them to do, and we have no business trying to 'train' them not to. Wait until he's old enough to understand society/propriety when he's older, say 3 or so, and then explain that it's something adults get their knickers in a twist about. ( it sooo doesn't bother M....)

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L.W.

answers from Cincinnati on

ha ha I wish I could send you a picture of my LO doing this...she did it all the time at this age..just discovered another part of his body...a new toy..ha ha

3 moms found this helpful

E.S.

answers from Dayton on

Lol. My son is 11mths. and has been doing this recently (on and off) too.
Heehee. Makes M. laugh. ;)

3 moms found this helpful
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D.S.

answers from Houston on

he has just discovered a new toy. he'll quit when his tougue dries out. they are not going to ask why he does it if they have ever had a baby.

3 moms found this helpful
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