Excessive Drooling in Babies & Toddlers
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Drooling (sialorrhea) is extremely common in babies starting around 2-3 months as salivary glands become active. Babies produce saliva faster than they can swallow it, especially before they develop the motor skills to keep their mouths closed. Drooling peaks around 3-6 months and often increases significantly during teething. It is almost always a normal developmental phase that resolves by age 2-3 as swallowing coordination matures.
Key takeaways
- Drooling (sialorrhea) is extremely common in babies starting around 2-3 months as salivary glands become active.
- Most common cause: Normal developmental drooling (immature swallowing)
- Emergency: Sudden drooling with difficulty breathing, stridor, or neck extension (possible epiglottitis or airway obstruction)
- Home care: Use absorbent drool bibs and change frequently to keep chin dry
Possible Causes
When to Seek Help
Emergency — Call 911 or go to ER:
- Sudden drooling with difficulty breathing, stridor, or neck extension (possible epiglottitis or airway obstruction)
- Drooling with inability to swallow and high fever (possible retropharyngeal abscess)
- Drooling after possible ingestion of caustic substance or foreign body
Urgent — See doctor today:
- New sudden drooling with high fever and toxic appearance
- Drooling with neck swelling or stiffness
- Complete inability to swallow fluids
Same-day appointment:
- Drooling with mouth sores causing feeding difficulty
- Persistent drooling beyond age 3 with speech or developmental concerns
- Drooling with foul odor suggesting possible foreign body in nose or mouth
Monitor at home:
- Normal developmental drooling in baby under 2 years
- Increased drooling during teething with no other concerning symptoms
- Mild increase in drooling during a cold or congestion
By Age
0-3 months
Normal: Drooling typically begins around 2-3 months when salivary glands mature. Some drool is normal as babies learn to manage saliva.
Worry if: Sudden excessive drooling with difficulty breathing (possible airway obstruction). Drooling with inability to swallow or choking on saliva.
3-6 months
Normal: Peak drooling period. Babies drool heavily as they mouth objects and prepare for teething. Soaking through bibs is normal. Does NOT necessarily mean teeth are imminent.
Worry if: Drooling with high fever, refusal to eat, and visible mouth sores. Drooling with neck swelling or difficulty breathing.
6-12 months
Normal: Active teething increases drooling. Drooling while concentrating on new motor skills (crawling, standing) is normal.
Worry if: New-onset drooling with stridor or breathing changes. Drooling with sudden inability to swallow after previously managing well.
1-3 years
Normal: Drooling gradually decreases as oral motor control improves. Some drooling during concentration or sleep is still normal up to age 2-3.
Worry if: Persistent significant drooling beyond age 2-3 years with speech delays or feeding difficulties may indicate oral motor weakness. Sudden drooling in a well toddler could suggest foreign body or throat infection.
Home Care
- Use absorbent drool bibs and change frequently to keep chin dry
- Apply barrier cream (petroleum jelly or lanolin) to chin and neck to prevent drool rash
- Offer clean teething toys or cold washcloths to chew on
- Gently wipe face with soft cloth regularly throughout the day
- Keep the area around mouth and chin dry to prevent irritation
- Dress baby in layers that can be easily changed when soaked
- For older babies, encourage drinking from a straw cup to strengthen oral muscles
- If drool rash develops, keep area clean and apply a gentle moisture barrier at night
Frequently asked questions
What causes excessive drooling?
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Sources
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Symptoms
Bottom line
Most cases of excessive drooling in babies are not emergencies. However, seek immediate care if sudden drooling with difficulty breathing, stridor, or neck extension (possible epiglottitis or airway obstruction).
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.