Self-Assessment Checklist that may identify compromised growth, development, and function
Age group: Newborn – 6 Months

Key Signs and Symptoms that You can Assess
If you have answered Yes to multiple items below, we would encourage you to schedule a comprehensive airway, tongue, and lip assessment for your loved one at Little Bird Pediatric Dentistry by calling 905-876-2473 (BIRD) or visit our website (www.littlebirddental.ca) for further information
*For specific findings, click on “” to see a picture example and the reasoning (or why) behind.
While Baby is Awake
Mouth open/lips apart at rest (when not babbling, playing) most of the day or routinely throughout the day
“Colic” symptoms (e.g. gassy, fussy, inconsolable)
Sensitive gag reflex
While Baby is Sleeping
Snoring with mouth open (more than 3x/week)
Gasp/stop breathing
Restless sleep (always moving around and/or restless legs/arms)
Frequent awakenings, regular nightmares, and/or night terrors (more than 1x/week)
Sweating heavily (pajamas and/or sheets regularly damp)
While Baby is Feeding (Current* or History of Challenges)
a) Baby Signs/Symptoms
Poor latch (e.g. difficulty achieving or maintaining a good latch)
Gumming or chewing of nipple
Shallow latch (limited wide mouth opening)
Frequent gulping, coughing, gagging, and/or choking
Milk leaks or spills out the side of their mouth while actively feeding
Upper lip folded down (curled inward) and/or lower lip tucked in (curled inwards)
Callous or blister on upper lip
Dried milk residue/coating on back of tongue
Reflux symptoms
(e.g. vomiting, regurgitation, frequent spit ups, crying after feeding, etc.)
Swallowing air regularly (increased gassiness, belly discomfort)
Insatiable baby (e.g. feeding every hour, falls asleep quickly when feeding and wakes shortly to feed again)
Poor weight gain, failure to thrive, and/or slows down weight gain
b) Mom’s Signs/Symptoms (if applicable)
Creased, cracked, bruised, flattened, blanched, cut, and/or bleeding nipples after nursing
Severe pain when attempting to latch and/or while nursing
Poor and/or incomplete breast drainage
Plugged ducts, infected nipples or breasts and/or mastitis
Drop in Mom’s milk supply
*For families with current feeding challenges (breast/bottle/solids), we would encourage you to seek assistance
from either your local lactation consultant or occupational therapist (OT)