How do I know if my baby has a tongue tie?

Signs of tongue tie in babies include: difficulty latching or staying latched during breastfeeding, clicking sounds during feeding, poor weight gain, nipple pain or damage in the breastfeeding parent, the tongue can't extend past the lower gum, the tongue tip looks heart-shaped or notched when extended, and the baby can't move their tongue side to side. A tongue tie assessment should be done by a trained lactation consultant, paediatrician, or GP.

Does tongue tie need to be treated?

Not all tongue ties need treatment. If your baby is feeding well and gaining weight, treatment may not be necessary. Treatment (frenotomy) is recommended when the tongue tie is causing feeding problems such as difficulty latching, poor weight gain, or significant nipple pain. The procedure is quick (takes seconds), usually done without general anaesthetic in young babies, and most babies feed better within days.

tongue tie in babies

by william samuels·9 april 2026

this is general information, not medical advice. see a lactation consultant or your GP for diagnosis and treatment.

tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is when the strip of tissue (frenulum) connecting the baby's tongue to the floor of the mouth is shorter or tighter than usual, restricting tongue movement. it affects about 4–11% of newborns and can cause feeding difficulties for both baby and breastfeeding parent.

not all tongue ties cause problems. some babies with a tongue tie feed perfectly well, while others struggle significantly. the key question is whether it's affecting feeding — not just whether it's present.

signs in your baby

•difficulty latching or staying latched
•clicking sounds during feeding
•feeds for a very long time or falls asleep quickly at the breast
•poor weight gain despite frequent feeding
•fussy or unsettled at the breast
•tongue can't extend past the lower gum line
•tongue tip looks heart-shaped or notched when crying
•can't move tongue side to side
•trouble with bottle feeding too (milk leaks out the sides)

signs for the breastfeeding parent

•painful breastfeeding despite correct positioning
•cracked, sore, or damaged nipples
•nipples look flattened, blanched, or misshapen after feeds
•engorgement, blocked ducts, or mastitis from incomplete drainage
•low milk supply (from poor drainage)
•feeling like the baby is chewing rather than sucking

treatment (frenotomy)

the procedure

•a quick snip of the frenulum — takes seconds
•usually done in young babies without general anaesthetic
•minimal bleeding — often just a drop or two
•baby can breastfeed immediately afterwards
•done by trained GPs, paediatricians, ENT specialists, or dentists

after the procedure

•most babies feed better within a few days
•some improvement may be immediate, full improvement may take 1–2 weeks
•you may be given tongue exercises to do to prevent reattachment
•follow up with your lactation consultant to adjust latch and positioning
•breastfeeding parent may need time to heal too

who to see

•International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) — for feeding assessment
•your GP — for referral and assessment
•paediatrician — for complex cases
•ENT specialist — for posterior tongue tie or lip tie
•Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) helpline: 1800 686 268

related guides

breastfeeding guide

positions, latch, supply, and common problems.

baby reflux

symptoms, causes, and what helps.

this guide is for informational purposes only. tongue tie diagnosis and treatment should be done by trained health professionals. see your GP, lactation consultant, or call the ABA helpline on 1800 686 268.