Newborns often stick out their tongues, which can make many parents unhappy, even threaten to punish the child for their behavior. However, this is a normal phenomenon in the child’s growth process and there is no need to worry excessively. So, why do babies frequently stick out their tongues and sometimes have purple tongues?
There are various reasons behind babies sticking out their tongues frequently. On one hand, when they feel thirsty, they may express their needs by sticking out their tongues. On the other hand, during teething, discomfort in the gums may prompt them to stick out their tongues to alleviate the discomfort. Moreover, for young babies, this may just be a way of self-entertainment and does not require special correction, so parents don’t need to be overly concerned.
The proportion of water in a baby’s body is higher compared to adults because they are in a rapid development stage and have a greater need for water. Additionally, their kidney function is not fully mature, leading to faster water consumption in the body. The water requirement per kilogram of body weight varies according to different age ranges: from birth to 1 year, it is about 120-160 milliliters, from 1 to 2 years, it is about 120-150 milliliters, and around 110-140 milliliters for 2 to 3 years old. Therefore, when a baby sticks out their tongue, it may be a signal to parents that they are thirsty.
As for the purple color of the baby’s tongue, it may be related to hypoxia, indicating that the baby’s circulatory system may have some issues, leading to insufficient oxygen supply to the body. In this case, it is crucial to observe whether the baby’s lips or oral mucosa also have the same discoloration. If the situation is severe, timely medical attention should be sought, relevant examinations should be conducted to clarify the baby’s health status, and appropriate treatment measures should be taken. In daily life, it is advisable to give the baby water in moderation, maintain a light and balanced diet, consume more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to promote metabolism and improve this condition.
