How Tongue Tie Can Affect Breastfeeding, Bottle Feeding, and Solids
If feeding your baby feels harder than it should constant clicking during feeds, leaking milk, fussiness, or even painful latching, you might be wondering whether something deeper is going on. One possible reason is a tongue tie, a condition that limits how the tongue can move. Tongue ties are more common than many parents realize, and they can affect everything from early breastfeeding to later transitions to solids.
This article will walk you through what a tongue tie is, how it can impact feeding at different stages, and what steps you can take to help your child feed comfortably and thrive.
What Is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie (or ankyloglossia) happens when the thin band of tissue under the tongue — called the frenulum — is too short, tight, or thick. This can limit how far the tongue can lift, extend, or move side-to-side. Because the tongue plays a critical role in feeding, speech, and oral development, restricted movement can create challenges.
Some tongue ties are very visible (a short frenulum near the tip of the tongue), while others are harder to see and require a trained professional to diagnose. Parents often say things like, “I knew something was off, but everyone kept telling me it was normal.” Trust your instincts — if feeding feels harder than it should, it’s worth getting checked.
Why Tongue Function Matters for Feeding
The tongue isn’t just there to taste food — it’s a powerhouse muscle that:
Creates suction for breastfeeding
Controls milk flow while bottle feeding
Helps manage food in the mouth when chewing
Moves food back to swallow safely
When the tongue can’t do these jobs effectively, feeding can become inefficient, tiring, and sometimes painful.
Tongue Tie and Breastfeeding Challenges
Many parents notice problems with breastfeeding first. Some common signs that a tongue tie might be affecting nursing include:
Painful Latch
A shallow latch often leads to sore nipples, cracking, or damage. This pain may not improve even with position changes or lactation support, which is a clue that a structural issue might be involved. One mom shared, “I dreaded every feed — I tried every position, every pillow, but it still hurt.”
2. Clicking or Loss of Suction
You might hear clicking sounds as your baby swallows air while feeding. This can lead to gas, fussiness, and reflux-like symptoms later.
3. Long, Frequent, or Inefficient Feeds
Babies with tongue ties often tire out before finishing a feed or seem hungry again soon after. They may fall asleep quickly because feeding is hard work.
4. Slow Weight Gain
If milk transfer is inefficient, babies may not gain weight as expected despite frequent nursing.
5. Maternal Symptoms
Because the latch is shallow, parents may develop clogged ducts, mastitis, or oversupply issues from frequent nursing.
Tongue Tie and Bottle Feeding Challenges
Bottle feeding isn’t always easier with a tongue tie. In fact, many parents switch to bottles thinking it will solve the problem — only to see similar issues:
Leaking milk from the corners of the mouth
Gulping or choking on milk because the baby can’t control flow well
Taking a very long time to finish bottles or tiring out mid-feed
Excessive gassiness or reflux symptoms from swallowing too much air
Some babies compensate by using their lips and cheeks more than their tongue, which can still make feeding exhausting. Choosing slower-flow nipples or special bottles can help temporarily, but addressing tongue function is key for long-term improvement.
Tongue Tie and the Transition to Solids
Once babies start solids, the tongue has a new job: moving food side to side, mashing it against the gums, and safely coordinating a swallow.
When tongue movement is restricted, you might notice:
Gagging or choking on textured foods
Difficulty moving food to the back of the mouth
Pocketing food in the cheeks
Preference for soft or pureed foods over chewable textures
Picky eating patterns that persist into toddlerhood
Parents often say, “My toddler will only eat yogurt, bananas, and crackers.” This may be more than picky eating — it may be a sign of oral motor difficulty.
The Long-Term Impact of Untreated Tongue Tie
If a tongue tie isn’t addressed, its effects may go beyond feeding:
Speech development: Certain sounds (like L, R, T, D, N) may be harder to produce.
Oral development: Mouth breathing, high palate, or dental crowding can result.
Sleep: Some children develop snoring or sleep-disordered breathing.
Addressing tongue tie early — and pairing any procedure with therapy — can help prevent these downstream issues.
What Parents Can Do
If you suspect a tongue tie, here are some steps to consider:
Schedule a Professional Evaluation
Work with a provider experienced in oral function — this might include a speech-language pathologist (SLP), myofunctional therapist, lactation consultant (IBCLC), or pediatric dentist.Get Support for Feeding
A feeding therapist or IBCLC can help you with latch techniques, bottle recommendations, and oral exercises to improve function before and after a release.Consider a Tongue Tie Release (Frenectomy)
If recommended, a provider may perform a quick procedure to release the tongue tie. This should be followed by stretches and therapy to prevent reattachment and help the tongue learn new movement patterns.Support Whole-Body Function
Bodywork (chiropractic, craniosacral therapy, or physical therapy) can help release tension and improve feeding mechanics.Follow Through with Therapy
Post-release oral motor exercises, sometimes called tongue tie stretches, are essential to prevent reattachment and help the tongue gain strength and mobility.
Want to know what to expect before and after a release? Check out our blog post on preparing for tongue tie release and aftercare.
FAQs About Tongue Tie and Feeding
Can a Tongue Tie Fix Itself?
Most tongue ties do not resolve on their own. Some may stretch with growth, but many remain restrictive and continue to cause problems.
Can a Tongue Tie Cause Reflux?
Yes — if your baby swallows extra air due to a shallow latch or poor suction, it can contribute to reflux-like symptoms.
Does Every Baby with a Tongue Tie Need Surgery?
Not always. Some babies compensate well, and therapy alone may be enough. A proper assessment will help you decide.
Are Tongue Tie Stretches Necessary?
Yes — after a release, stretches and oral exercises are critical to promote healing and prevent reattachment.
The Key Takeaway
Feeding should not be painful, stressful, or exhausting — for you or your baby. If breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or starting solids has felt harder than it should, a tongue tie could be part of the puzzle.
Getting a skilled assessment and the right support can make feeding more comfortable and set your child up for long-term success with eating, speech, and oral health.
Ready to explore whether a tongue tie could be affecting your baby’s feeding?
Book a 1:1 evaluation with Myo Speech Solutions today and get a personalized plan to help your baby thrive.
