Newborn – 6 Months
Early Signs of Airway Dysfunction
The first six months are critical for identifying and addressing airway concerns. Early intervention during this period can prevent long-term complications.
Infants are obligate nasal breathers, meaning they naturally breathe through their nose. When something interferes with this—such as a tongue tie, lip tie, or other structural concern—it can affect feeding, sleep, and overall development.
At Little Bird, we specialize in identifying these concerns early, often within the first weeks of life, when intervention is most effective.
Feeding Concerns
Feeding difficulties are often the first sign of an underlying airway or oral restriction issue.
- Difficulty latching or maintaining latch
- Clicking or smacking sounds during feeding
- Milk leaking from corners of mouth
- Prolonged feeding sessions (over 30-45 minutes)
- Falling asleep at the breast before finishing
- Frequent breaks during feeding
- Painful breastfeeding for mother
- Poor weight gain despite frequent feeds
- Preference for bottle over breast
- Excessive gas, hiccups, or spit-up
Breathing & Sleep Concerns
How your baby breathes—especially during sleep—provides important clues about airway health.
- Noisy breathing during sleep or while awake
- Snoring or snorting sounds
- Mouth open during sleep
- Restless sleep or frequent waking
- Sweating during sleep
- Unusual sleeping positions (head tilted back)
- Nasal congestion without illness
- Visible effort to breathe
Other Signs to Watch For
- Colic or excessive crying
- Reflux or frequent spitting up
- Torticollis (head tilting to one side)
- Difficulty with tummy time
- Tongue appears heart-shaped when crying
- White coating on tongue that doesn't wipe off
- High, narrow palate
Early Assessment is Key
If you've checked several items above, your baby may benefit from a comprehensive assessment. Dr. Sigal offers specialized infant evaluations that can identify tongue ties, lip ties, and other concerns affecting feeding and breathing.