Infants often stick out their tongues and make motions similar to sucking, which can confuse many parents. In fact, this may be a way for infants to explore themselves and is related to their physiological development stage. Since the digestive system of infants is not fully mature, spitting up milk is a common phenomenon, which can be divided into spitting up and regurgitation. Spitting up usually involves a larger amount and may occur shortly after feeding, causing discomfort in infants. On the other hand, regurgitation involves a smaller amount and mostly occurs immediately after feeding, relatively mild.
Infants mainly spit up milk because their esophageal muscles have low tension and slow peristalsis, making food reflux easily. In addition, the stomach of infants is in a horizontal position, making it easier for them to spit up milk due to slightly larger food intake or improper positioning compared to adults. In most cases, there is no need to worry excessively, but if it occurs frequently and is accompanied by fever, abnormal stool, or changes in mental state, medical attention should be sought promptly to rule out potential health issues.
As for infants with frequent dry heaving, white tongue coating, and sticking out their tongues after diarrhea, these may also be related to the physiological characteristics of infants. Dry heaving may result from swallowing air while eating or from self-exploration, and a white tongue coating is a normal physiological phenomenon directly related to diet. While sticking out the tongue after diarrhea may seem unusual, it could be one of the signs of discomfort in infants. At this time, it is important to keep the infant hydrated and take measures to alleviate diarrhea, such as abdominal massage or consulting a doctor on the need for antidiarrheal medication. If the diarrhea is severe or persistent, it is recommended to collect a fresh stool sample for testing to determine the presence of complications such as enteritis.
Facing these manifestations in infants, parents need to observe carefully, respond appropriately, and seek professional medical help when necessary.
