CLAIM:
Excessive drooling in babies is a normal part of growth and development and should not be mistaken for illness, stomach worms, or problems related to the mother’s diet or pregnancy.
FACT:
True. Drooling in babies is a normal developmental process that usually begins around 3–4 months and may continue up to two years due to immature swallowing control, mouthing behaviour, and teething. Medical experts say it is not linked to stomach worms or the mother’s diet and typically resolves on its own as oral-motor skills develop. However, persistent drooling beyond two years or sudden excessive drooling may require medical evaluation.
In a viral Instagram reel posted by Dr Madhavi Bharadwaj, a paediatrician, the doctor addresses widespread myths around excessive drooling in babies.
In the reel, she explains the concern raised by a worried mother whose five-month-old baby was drooling excessively. “It’s been five months since I gave birth. My baby drools so much that her clothes get completely wet. I have to change her clothes three to four times a day,” the mother reportedly told her.
Explaining the biological reason behind drooling, Dr Bharadwaj says saliva production increases when babies enter the mouthing phase. “Between 4 to 6 months, as soon as mouthing starts, saliva starts forming. The drool keeps falling, but it forms because when a baby eats food, the mouth needs lubrication,” she explains.
She adds that saliva plays an important role in digestion and immunity. “Saliva helps soften food, move it inside the mouth, and swallow it properly. It also contains antibacterial properties that help fight infections,” she says.
According to her, drooling is also a sign that the digestive system is preparing for solid foods. “When saliva starts forming, digestive juices also start developing in the stomach. The gut is getting ready to accept solids,” she explains.
Dr Bharadwaj notes that drooling can continue until teething is complete. “Till around two years of age, when all teeth erupt, saliva production can remain high. Sometimes it’s more, sometimes less — and that’s normal,” she says.
However, she warns parents to seek medical advice if drooling suddenly increases after this stage. “If an older baby suddenly starts drooling excessively, check for throat ulcers, mouth infections, or nasal blockage. If the baby sleeps with an open mouth and saliva keeps falling, the nose could be blocked. In such cases, consult a doctor,” she advises.
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What causes drooling in babies? And is it normal?
Dr Amit Gupta, Senior Neonatologist and Paediatrician at Motherhood Hospitals, Noida, emphasised that drooling is a normal part of infant development and should not immediately be linked to illness.
“First of all, parents should remember that drooling is completely normal in infants. It usually starts around 3 to 4 months of age and can continue up to nearly two years,” Dr Gupta said.
He explained that while salivary glands begin maturing within the first few months of life, babies do not yet have full control over swallowing. “Salivary glands mature by around two to four months, but babies take time to develop proper swallowing control. Until oral-motor development is complete, drooling is expected,” he said.
According to Dr Gupta, the mouthing phase also plays a key role. “Between four to six months, babies start putting objects in their mouth. This mouthing phase and the eruption of teeth stimulate saliva production further, which leads to increased drooling,” he explained.
Rejecting popular myths, Dr Gupta clarified that drooling has no connection with stomach worms or the mother’s diet. “There is absolutely no scientific evidence to suggest that drooling means a baby has stomach parasites. It also has no link to what the mother eats. These beliefs have no medical basis,” he said.
When is drooling a problem?
Dr Gupta advised parents to stay alert if drooling patterns change suddenly. “If there is a sudden increase in drooling, it could be due to mouth infections, oral ulcers, hand-foot-mouth disease, fever, or throat irritation. In such cases, the child should be examined by a doctor and not ignored,” he cautioned.
Dr Gupta further added that persistent drooling beyond early childhood may require medical evaluation. “If a child continues to drool beyond two years, when oral-motor skills and cognitive development are expected to be established, it could point towards a neurological issue. Such cases definitely need proper medical assessment,” he said.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.