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Wondering when babies start drooling? Most babies begin drooling around 2 to 3 months of age as their salivary glands become more active. Some babies produce very little saliva, while others seem to soak through bibs all day.
Drooling is usually a normal part of infant development, but it can leave parents wondering whether their baby is teething, developing new skills or producing too much saliva.
Understanding why babies drool, what’s typical at different ages and when to seek advice can help you feel more confident about your little one’s development.
Why Do Babies Drool So Much?
Babies drool because their salivary glands are becoming more active, but they are still developing the muscle coordination needed to swallow saliva efficiently.
Humans have three pairs of major salivary glands (six glands in total), along with hundreds of smaller glands throughout the mouth. In adults, these glands produce approximately 0.5 to 1.5 litres of saliva every day.
Saliva helps keep the mouth moist, washes away food particles and bacteria, and supports digestion. As babies grow, they develop better control over their lips, tongue and swallowing muscles. Until then, excess saliva may escape from their mouths, resulting in frequent drooling.
Beyond protecting the mouth, saliva also plays an important role in digestion. It moistens food, making it easier to swallow, and contains enzymes that begin breaking down starches.
Is It Normal for a Newborn to Drool a Lot?
Yes, some newborns drool although drooling usually begins at about 2 to 3months of age as saliva production increases.
Newborns already produce saliva, but the amount varies from baby to baby. As their salivary glands become more active and their swallowing coordination develops, some babies begin to drool more frequently.
Why Is My 1-Month-Old Drooling?
Drooling at one month old can be normal. Babies are still developing the coordination needed to manage saliva, and some naturally produce more than others.
Why Is My 2-Month-Old Drooling So Much?
By two months, increased saliva production and developing oral motor skills can make drooling more noticeable. This does not necessarily mean your baby is teething.
Why Is My 3-Month-Old Drooling and Blowing Bubbles?
Drooling and blowing bubbles at 3 months old are usually normal signs of your baby’s developing oral motor skills. As saliva production increases, babies begin exploring movements with their lips, tongue and mouth.
Blowing saliva bubbles is one way babies experiment with these movements as they develop the coordination needed for feeding, swallowing and eventually making speech sounds.
Around this age, babies may also bring their hands to their mouths, make cooing sounds and become more interested in exploring their surroundings. These behaviours are common developmental milestones, although every baby develops at their own pace.
Increased drooling at 3 months does not necessarily mean your baby is teething. Saliva production and oral development can explain why your little one is suddenly soaking through bibs, even when their first tooth is still months away.
When Do Babies Stop Drooling?
Drooling is often most noticeable between 3 and 6 months of age. As babies develop better control over their mouth and swallowing muscles, drooling gradually decreases, often improving by 15–18 months. The first drooling phase lasts until the child reaches 12-15 months of age. Some children may continue drooling into their toddler years, especially during teething.
When Is Excessive Drooling in Babies a Concern?
While drooling is usually a normal part of infant development, certain symptoms may indicate an underlying concern.
Watch for:
- Difficulty feeding or swallowing
- Frequent coughing or choking during feeds
- Persistent skin irritation or a rash around the mouth and chin
- Excessive drooling accompanied by fever or other signs of illness
If your baby is drooling excessively and appears unwell, consult your pediatrician or primary healthcare provider. Sudden drooling accompanied by difficulty breathing or an inability to swallow requires emergency medical attention.
Book Your Baby’s First Dental Visit
Your baby’s first dental visit should take place within six months of their first tooth appearing or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.
A pediatric dentist can assess your baby’s oral development, answer questions about teething and dental health, and recommend an appropriate schedule for future visits.
Book your baby’s first dental visit with Playtime Dentistry.
