Why is My 2 Month Old Drooling?

As a mum of four, I’ve experienced the whole spectrum of baby quirks, with drooling being one of the most common. I’ve gone through my fair share of bibs and burp cloths, especially during those drooly months.

It’s almost like a rite of passage in the early stages of parenthood. If you’re wondering why your 2-month-old is suddenly turning into a little drool machine, you’re certainly not alone.

Many of us parents joke about needing to invest in stock for bib companies during this stage! It’s all part of the adorable, if a bit soggy, journey of babyhood.

First things first, your baby’s excessive drooling at two months of age is most likely due to teething.

Yes, even though the first tooth might not make its grand appearance until around the 6-month mark, those little gums are starting to gear up for their big debut.

Teething can initiate saliva production, making your adorable drooling baby a common sight in many households.

As your baby approaches the teething stage, you might notice an increase in drooling. This is because the eruption of new teeth, particularly the front teeth, can stimulate the saliva glands.

This is a common cause of excess drooling and is generally a good sign that your baby’s teeth are developing as they should. By the time they reach their first few years of age, they’ll have a full set of baby teeth.

But, drool, or extra saliva, isn’t only a sign of teething. At this age, babies are still developing fine motor skills and muscle control, including those in their mouth and swallowing muscles.

This means they might not yet have the ability to keep all that saliva in! It’s a natural part of a baby’s development and usually nothing to worry about.

But why so much saliva? Well, a baby’s salivary glands are learning to function. As they grow, their bodies learn how to manage and control this excess saliva production. Think of it as a workout for their little facial muscles and digestive system.

One of the primary reasons for your baby’s excess drooling is their still-developing muscles. In young children, especially those around two months of age, the muscles around the baby’s mouth and the motor receptors that control swallowing are not fully developed. This underdevelopment means that controlling saliva, which is naturally produced in larger quantities at this stage, becomes a bit of a challenge for your little one.

When to Worry

While drooling is mostly harmless, in some cases, it can be a symptom of other conditions. For instance, a tongue tie – a condition where the strip of skin connecting the baby’s tongue to the floor of their mouth is shorter than usual – can affect a child’s mouth movements, leading to drooling.

Additionally, if your baby has difficulty with feeding or doesn’t seem to be sleeping well, it might be worth taking a closer look.

Though uncommon, excessive drooling can sometimes point to other issues. Conditions like cerebral palsy, low muscle tone (hypotonia), or neurological disorders can manifest with symptoms like uncontrollable drooling.

If you notice other symptoms, like difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or if your baby’s drooling is accompanied by a fever or rash, it’s time to seek medical attention.

Excessive drooling or excess can irritate baby’s skin, leading to drool rash – similar to diaper rash but on the chin, neck, and chest.

This happens when the saliva repeatedly wets the skin around the mouth, chin, and sometimes the neck, causing irritation.

Keep a soft cloth handy to gently dab away drool and protect their skin. It’s important to keep the affected area clean and dry, and applying a gentle barrier cream can help protect your baby’s delicate skin. Barrier creams, like petroleum jelly offer a good defense against drool rash.

Remember, every baby develops at different rates. Some might be early teethers, while others might just be more drool-prone due to their developing muscle control.

Keep an eye on their overall health and development, and when in doubt, your healthcare provider is always there to ease your concerns.

And here’s the good news – this phase doesn’t last forever. Before you know it, your little one will be past this drooling stage and onto new adventures.

In the meantime, embrace this natural and common occurrence. Keep those soft cloths and bibs handy, and maybe capture a few of those drooly smiles for the memory books.

Remember, excessive drooling is usually just a sign that your baby’s body is growing and learning new things.

Whether it’s preparing for solid food, developing their speech, or getting ready for those first teeth, it’s all part of the incredible journey of growth.

Tips for Managing Baby Drooling

Stay Prepared: Keep a stash of bibs or soft cloths around to catch the drool and protect your baby’s clothes and skin.
Skin Care: Gently wipe your baby’s face frequently and consider using a barrier cream to prevent rash.
Teething Toys: Offer safe, clean teething toys to help soothe your baby’s gums.
Hydration: Ensure your baby is well-hydrated, especially if they are drooling a lot.
Regular Check-Ups: Keep up with your pediatric appointments to monitor your baby’s development.

When to Call the Doctor

While drooling is typically normal, call your healthcare provider if you notice:

Signs of dehydration (less wet diapers, dry mouth)
Fever or other signs of illness
Signs of an allergic reaction
Unusual fussiness or irritability
Difficulty breathing or swallowing

A Final Word of Reassurance

Each baby is unique and they all go through different stages at their own pace. Drooling is just one of the many phases we get to navigate.

So, grab a few extra bibs, keep that warm water handy for quick clean-ups, and remember, this too shall pass!

In the end, what matters most is that your baby is healthy and loved, drool and all. Keep being the amazing parent that you are, and know that every phase, no matter how messy, is a beautiful part of your baby’s journey.

I hope this article helps shed some light on why your 2-month-old might be drooling more than usual. It’s a natural, if sometimes messy, part of their development.

Keep loving, learning, and growing together. Happy parenting!

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In The Playroom

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Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.