If you’ve been zooming in on your baby’s mouth and comparing it to pictures online, you’re not alone. Here’s what actually tells us whether a tie matters.
The short answer
You can’t reliably tell a tongue tie from a normal frenulum by looking at a photo. Every baby has a frenulum, and many look “tight” without causing any problems. What matters is function: how your baby’s tongue moves, how they latch, and how feeding is going for both of you.
Why so many parents are searching for pictures
“Tongue tie vs. normal pictures” is one of the fastest-growing searches here in the Phoenix area right now, and I get it. When feeding hurts or your baby seems frustrated at the breast or bottle, you want an answer you can see.
The trouble is that frenulums come in all shapes. Some that look dramatic work just fine. Others that look mild can still limit how the tongue lifts and moves. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ 2024 report on tongue tie makes a similar point: appearance alone isn’t enough, and treatment should be based on real feeding difficulties (AAP clinical report).
What I look at instead
When a family comes to reluume with tie concerns, I’m wearing two hats: chiropractor and IBCLC (lactation consultant). So I look at the whole picture, not just under the tongue:
- Tongue movement: Can your baby lift, extend, and move their tongue side to side?
- Latch and suck: Is the latch shallow? Do I hear clicking, or see milk leaking?
- Feeding comfort: Is nursing painful for you, or are your nipples creased or damaged?
- Weight and energy: Is your baby gaining well, or tiring out during feeds?
- Body tension: Tight necks, jaws, and a head turned to one side can all affect how the tongue works.
Why the rest of the body matters
That last point surprises a lot of parents. A baby who’s carrying tension from birth may struggle to open wide or turn comfortably to one side, and that can look a lot like a tie. In my practice, I use very gentle adjustments alongside feeding support. For some babies, easing that tension and improving positioning makes a real difference. For others, it helps them get ready for a release and recover well afterward, if one is truly needed.
FAQ
Can I diagnose a tongue tie from a photo?
No. A photo shows what the frenulum looks like, not how the tongue works. A hands-on feeding assessment is the best way to know.
What are signs of tongue tie in a newborn?
Common signs include a shallow latch, clicking during feeds, painful nursing, long or frequent feeds, and slow weight gain. These can also have other causes, which is why an assessment matters.
Does every tongue tie need a release?
No. Many babies do well with feeding support and bodywork. A release makes the most sense when a tight frenulum is clearly limiting function and other support hasn’t helped.
Not sure what you’re seeing?
If you’re second-guessing your baby’s mouth, you don’t have to figure it out from pictures. At reluume in Scottsdale, I look at feeding, function, and the whole body together. Learn more about our lip and tongue tie care or book a visit.
