Ankyloglossia

• The lingual frenum is a tendon-like cord that attaches the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When this cord is too short and restricts the mobility of the tongue, it becomes a condition known as ankyloglossia, or "tongue tie." This condition can be troublesome in a variety of ways for a baby, interfering with his ability to eat and develop normal speech. This structural abnormality in the tongue can lead to malnourishment and the inability to use the tip of the tongue to make basic sounds like "t," "d" or "n." Excessive drooling and dribbling, and difficulty eating are commonly associated with the condition.
  
  

Dream Feeding

• Sometimes a baby will refuse a bottle or breast, and is only willing to eat when sleeping. This is known as dream feeding. It can be a frustrating, worrisome problem for parents who must rock the child to sleep each time he gets upset because he's hungry in order to get him to eat. Once asleep, the baby will eat but may not eat enough. This problem can also lead to malnourishment. When the baby reaches 6-months-old or older, he will need to begin getting calories from solid foods. Dream feeding no longer serves the purpose, and the problem must be addressed immediately. In extreme cases, it could require a feeding tube -- an option that should only be used when all other options have been exhausted.
  
  

Hearing

• If speech development is severely hindered in your baby, and he is unable to say some words or make sounds considered normal for his age, there could be a speech problem related to the ears. Young children who do not hear others speaking to them cannot learn from mimicking the parents. Deaf children often have severe speech impediments. If your baby or toddler is not developing speech at a normal rate, it is important to have his hearing checked to make sure it works properly.
  
  

Picky Eaters

• Sometimes an eating problem with a baby is simply a case of being a picky eater. This is not uncommon in children of all ages, but it must be dealt with all the same. Try introducing new foods in small portions and including familiar foods the child likes with the new food. Don't try to force an entire meal of strange new cuisine on your young child unless you are hoping for a rejection. Minimize distractions at the table, and don't tempt the child with sweets just to get him to try something new.