What You Need to Know About Tongue-Tie in Babies (and How It Impacts Sleep)

You’ve done everything right. Your baby is fed, swaddled, and tucked into bed by 7:30 PM. But every night, it’s the same struggle—frequent wakings, fussy feeds, and a baby who just can’t seem to settle. 

If this sounds like your story, you’re not alone. And there’s a possibility that the underlying issue isn’t just sleep—it’s tongue-tied. 

As a certified sleep consultant in Singapore, I’ve worked with many families who didn’t realise that tongue-tie was silently disrupting both feeding and their progress in sleep training a baby. 

What Is Tongue-Tie? 

Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where a baby’s tongue is tethered to the floor of the mouth by a short, tight band of tissue. This can restrict movement and affect latching, sucking, and even swallowing. 

While tongue-tie is primarily associated with breastfeeding difficulties, its effects ripple into areas like: 

• Poor weight gain 

• Prolonged feedings 

• Gas and reflux 

• Frequent night wakings 

• Difficulty self-soothing 

All of these can challenge your efforts in sleep training a baby, especially during those critical early months. 

How Tongue-Tie Disrupts Sleep Training a Baby 

Here’s how tongue-tie interferes with the sleep journey: 

• Feeding Frustrations: Babies with tongue-tie struggle to feed effectively. They often feed more frequently and for longer, leading to more night wakings. 

  
  

• Discomfort After Feeding: Because of poor latch and increased air intake, these babies are more prone to colic and reflux—major sleep disruptors. 

  
  

• Inability to Self-Soothe: Tongue movement plays a role in self-soothing techniques like sucking. If restricted, it can make it harder for babies to settle independently essential during sleep training a baby. 

  
  

Signs Your Baby Might Have Tongue-Tie 

Many parents in Singapore may not notice tongue-tie right away. Look for signs such as: 

• Clicking sounds while feeding 

• Milk dribbling from the sides of the mouth 

• Shallow latch and frequent breaks during feeding 

• Gassy tummy or reflux symptoms 

• Short naps and frequent night wakings 

• Baby constantly wants to be held or rocked to sleep 

If any of this sounds familiar, tongue-tied could interfere with your efforts in sleep training a baby. 

What Can Be Done? 

1. Get an Evaluation 

Consult your pediatrician or a pediatric ENT in Singapore for a proper diagnosis. They may refer you to a lactation consultant or recommend a procedure called a frenotomy (a simple release of the tie). 

2. Feeding Support 

Improved latch post-treatment can lead to more efficient feeding, reducing discomfort and improving your baby’s ability to sleep longer stretches. 

3. Sleep Training Adjustments 

Once feeding issues are resolved, your baby may be ready for gentle sleep training. This is where I come in. 

Helping Tongue-Tied Babies Sleep Better 

When I work with families on sleep training a baby, and tongue-tie is involved, I customize our approach: 

• We go slower with sleep routines to allow time for healing and adaptation. 

• I teach parents how to recognize hunger vs comfort feeding after the tie is resolved. 

• I introduce settling techniques that don’t rely on pacifiers or sucking, since those might be difficult at first. 

  
  

Real Singapore Story: Baby Ethan's Journey 

One mum I supported in Singapore had a 3-month-old baby, Ethan, who woke every 45 minutes at night. She was exhausted and confused—she’d followed every sleep training step perfectly. 

Upon referral to a pediatric dentist, it turned out Ethan had a posterior tongue-tie and upper lip tie. After a quick procedure and two weeks of feeding support, we resumed gentle sleep training. 

In just one week, Ethan went from waking 8 times a night to sleeping in 4–6 hour stretches. 

Final Thoughts: Don’t Sleep on Tongue-Tie 

As a sleep consultant, I want to emphasize this: feeding and sleep go hand in hand. When something like tongue-tied throws feeding off balance, sleep is the first casualty. But with the right guidance, both can be restored. 

Let’s Support Your Baby’s Sleep—Together 

If you’re concerned that tongue-tie or feeding struggles are affecting your baby’s sleep, don’t wait. I offer customised support for families here in Singapore who are navigating this exact challenge. 

👉 Explore our Services and let’s build a sleep routine that works for your baby—and you. 

FAQs 

What is tongue-tied in babies and how does it affect feeding? 

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is when the band under a baby’s tongue is unusually short or tight, limiting tongue movement. This can lead to poor latch, clicking during feeds, and frequent, ineffective nursing sessions. 

Can tongue-tie cause my baby to wake up at night? 

Yes—because tongue-tied disrupts feeding efficiency and often causes gas or reflux, babies may wake frequently at night due to hunger, discomfort, or inability to settle independently. 

How is tongue-tie diagnosed and treated in Singapore?

A pediatrician, ENT specialist, or lactation consultant can diagnose tongue-tie through a physical exam, and treatment typically involves a quick outpatient procedure called a frenotomy to release the tongue’s restriction. 

Will my baby sleep better after tongue-tie release? 

Many parents report improved sleep following tongue-tie release, as babies feed more effectively, experience less reflux, and become better able to self-soothe—key factors when sleep training a baby. 

Is tongue-tied common in newborns and when should I seek help? 

Tongue-tie affects about 4–10% of newborns; if your baby shows signs like shallow latch, clicking feeds, gas, or frequent night wakings, it’s best to consult a pediatrician early—especially when you're focused on sleep training a baby. 

Note: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for medical concerns.