Every newborn baby has their own unique way of feeding. There are different techniques parents can use to help their baby open their mouth wider while they feed.
This article will discuss the various methods you can use to help your newborn open their mouth wider during feeding and maximize the amount of nutrition they receive. So keep reading to learn more about how to get newborn to open mouth wider.
Can You Get the Newborn to Open Its Mouth Wider?
When you first come face-to-face with a newborn, one of the most important things to do is to get them to open their mouth wider so that you can properly assess their oral health. This may sound like an almost impossible task, but with a few simple tips and tricks, you’ll be able to get the newborn to open its mouth wider.
For example, applying a warm compress prior to doing your assessment has been known to work wonders. You should also try using different strokes around their lips and cheeks while making sucking motions. Even gentle blowing can help expand the newborn’s mouth enough for you to do your assessment efficiently.
While it may take some time and patience, getting the newborn to open its mouth wider is ultimately possible.
Why Should You Get a Newborn to Open Its Mouth Wider?
Having a newborn open its mouth wider has many benefits. When a baby’s mouth is wide, it allows the parent to look inside for signs of any health concerns. This can help identify potential problems, such as infections or illnesses at an early stage, which can result in faster and more effective treatment.
An open mouth also helps the parent assess how much milk or formula their baby gets during a feeding session, helping them better understand their infant’s nutritional needs and determine if they are getting enough.
Aside from these practical advantages, encouraging an infant to open its mouth wide during feedings may also be beneficial in strengthening facial and jaw muscles important for the development of speech, improving coordination between the eyes and hand movements your newborn uses when drinking from a bottle or breastfeeding, and assisting in the weaning process by teaching good feeding behaviors early on.
7 Methods to Follow on How to Get Newborn to Open Mouth Wider
1. Use a Clean Finger
Use a clean finger to help open your baby’s mouth wider. Gently insert your finger into their mouth and sweep it inside their cheek. This will help to loosen their jaw and make it easier for them to open their mouth wider.
2. Use a Pacifier
If your baby is resistant to having a finger inserted into their mouth, you can try using a pacifier instead. Gently insert the pacifier into their mouth and hold it there while you gently push down on their lower jaw. This will help them to open their mouth wider.
3. Use a Cotton Swab
If you don’t have a pacifier, you can use a cotton swab instead. Gently insert the cotton swab into your baby’s mouth and hold it there while you push down on their lower jaw. This will help them to open their mouth wider.
4. Use a Spoon
Another option is to use a spoon to help open your baby’s mouth wider. Gently insert the spoon bowl into your baby’s mouth and hold it there while you push down on their lower jaw. This will help them to open their mouth wider.
5. Use a Syringe
If you have a syringe, you can use it to help open your baby’s mouth wider. Fill the syringe with water and gently insert the tip into your baby’s mouth. Slowly squeeze the syringe so that the water enters their mouth and helps to loosen their jaw. Once the syringe is empty, remove it from their mouth and wait for them to open their mouth wider on their own.
6. Give Them Something to Chew On
If your baby is teething, it may be resistant to opening its mouth wide due to its pain. You can try giving them something to chew on, such as a teething ring or toy, which will help to distract them from the pain and make it easier for them to open their mouths wider.
7. Try Different Positions
You can try changing positions if you’re having trouble getting your baby to open their mouth wide. Try holding them upright or lying down instead of in your arms. You can also try gently tilting their head back or holding them upside down. This will help to open their mouths wider and make it easier for you to get the job done.
That’s it! You’ve now learned how to get newborn to open mouth wider. Keep in mind that each baby is different, so what works for one may not work for another. Practice patience and keep trying different methods until you find the one that works best for your little one!
Things You Need to Know Before Getting Newborn to Open Mouth Wider
Before getting a newborn to open their mouth wider, it is important to remember that their mouths are extremely small right after birth. The size and shape of the newborn’s mouth can be slightly different compared to an adult’s, so any attempts to open it further should be made gently with caution.
Understanding the anatomy of the newborn’s face is also helpful so you know what you’re attempting to manipulate. Facial muscles can also move differently in a newborn than in an adult, making these manipulations difficult without proper knowledge.
Therefore, always consult a doctor or dental specialist before attempting to get your newborn’s mouth any wider than it is naturally.
Benefits of Getting Newborn to Open Mouth Wider
Regarding newborns, getting them to open their mouths wide can benefit both the baby and the parent. Not only does it help parents with feeding and allowing the child to latch on properly, but this act by itself is incredibly useful in stimulating the infant’s gums and preparing them for teething.
Additionally, opening the mouth wider helps with tongue movements which aid speech development and other oral functions like chewing and swallowing.
Doing so even encourages babies to ‘eat’ from a spoon easily. Overall, encouraging newborns to open their mouths wide is a great way to start off early on healthy feeding habits that carry a whole host of benefits for their well-being.
6 Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Get Newborn to Open Mouth Wider
1. Not Using a Pacifier
One common mistake that parents make when trying to get their newborn to open their mouth wider is not using a pacifier. A pacifier can help to stimulate the baby’s natural rooting reflex, which will help them to open their mouth wider.
Additionally, the sucking motion can help to loosen any tight muscles in the baby’s jaw, making it easier for them to open their mouth wider.
2. Trying to Force the Baby’s Mouth Open
Another mistake that parents make is trying to force the baby’s mouth open. This can be extremely frustrating for both the parent and the baby and can often result in the baby becoming even more resistant to opening its mouth. If you are frustrated, it is best to take a break and try again later.
3. Not Using Enough Pressure
Some parents make the mistake of not using enough pressure when trying to get their newborn to open their mouth wider. It is important to apply gentle pressure to the baby’s chin to stimulate the rooting reflex and help them open their mouth wider.
4. Using Too Much Pressure
On the other hand, some parents make the mistake of using too much pressure when trying to get their newborn to open their mouth wider. This can actually cause the baby’s jaw muscles to tighten up, making it even more difficult for them to open their mouths.
It is important to find a balance between using enough pressure to stimulate the rooting reflex and not using so much pressure that it becomes uncomfortable for the baby.
5. Not Being Patient
Another mistake that parents make when trying to get their newborns to open their mouths wider is not being patient. It can often take several tries before the baby finally opens their mouth wide enough for you to insert the nipple or pacifier. If you become frustrated or impatient, your baby will likely pick up on your negative emotions and become even less cooperative.
6. Giving Up
Finally, one of the most common mistakes that parents make when trying to get their newborns’ mouths open wider is giving up too soon. If your baby does not open their mouth wide after a few tries, it is important to persist and keep trying. Often, it just takes a little bit of patience and perseverance before your baby finally opens up wide enough for you.
Conclusion
Helping your newborn open their mouth wider during feeding can be incredibly beneficial for them as it allows them to take in more nutrition with each feed, making it easier for them to grow and thrive.
By using various techniques such as massaging or stroking their cheeks, stimulating their tongue gently with a finger, and trying out different nursing positions like laid-back breastfeeding or side-lying position, you can help increase the effectiveness of each meal time for both you and your bundle of joy! Thanks for reading our post about how to get newborn to open mouth wider.
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