Babies salivate a lot, is this normal?

Why do babies salivate so often?

Saliva (saliva) is the product of the salivary glands which contains 98% water and important substances such as enzymes, bacteria, and electrolytes.

Although it is often underestimated, saliva has an important role in the digestive system.

Saliva helps you to refine and digest food. Well, these salivary glands are actually active when they are still in the womb and parents only know it when the baby is born.

Generally, babies often salivate a few days after birth until they are 3 months old.

Most of these conditions are caused by gastroesophageal reflux, or acid reflux in babies, which is fluid in the stomach that returns to the esophagus.

Acid reflux in babies occurs when the sphincter muscles in the lower esophagus are not fully developed and working properly.

But you don't need to worry, over time, these muscles will adapt and no longer keep your little one going drool.

Then, when he starts to enter the age of 6 months or more, his saliva will often come out of his mouth again.

This occurs due to increased saliva production because the baby will be teething. This condition will continue until the baby is 12 months old.

Is it normal for a baby to continue salivating?

Salivating or spitting up is different from vomiting.

Spitting only saliva, while vomiting will release the contents of the food. Spitting also does not involve strong muscle contractions so it does not make the baby feel sick or uncomfortable.

You need to know that spitting is a thing normal and does not interfere with the health of the baby.

As long as the baby is not fussy, does not lose weight, and remains active, this is nothing for you to worry about.

Although frequent saliva is normal in babies, you still have to be aware of several things.

Reporting from the Mayo Clinic page, immediately consult a doctor, if your child experiences the following symptoms:

The liquid that is released is not saliva, but a yellowish green or bloody liquid.
Growth and development of babies not according to age.
Weight loss and the baby does not want to eat.
Have vomited blood or have blood in the stool.
Often cries more than 3 hours a day and has difficulty breathing.

Tips for dealing with babies who often salivate

The saliva that keeps coming out can sometimes cause a skin rash in the area where it is wet. So that your little one doesn't constantly salivate, you can outsmart it in various ways, such as:

1. Make sure the baby does not overeat

Not overfeeding your baby can reduce the occurrence of sphincter muscle contractions.

This will reduce the baby's spitting and vomiting due to satiety. We recommend that you feed the baby small portions but more often when he is hungry.