Question about 3wk. old baby

[Oats]

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My niece was born on April 25 after an uncomplicated pregnancy. She's home now, but I have a 'concern' about something she does. I've tried to research it on the internet but haven't had any luck, so I'm hoping someone here might be able to shed some light for me. Thanks in advance for any and all advice. 🙂
I've noticed that she sticks her tongue out of her mouth all the time, whether she's asleep or awake. At least half of the pictures I have of her show her doing this. I haven't observed anyone in the family sticking their tongues out at her so I don't believe that she's "mimicking" anybody's behavior. Is this normal for babies of her age? She's otherwise bahaving normally. She eats fine, sleeps a lot (except at night ), and only cries while having her diaper changed. She's alert and looks around when awake (doesn't appear to be lethargic), and occasionally manages a tiny, although brief, smile. I admit it's been some time since I've been around a newborn, but I just don't remember ever noticing this behavior in other babies. So, if anybody could answer whether or not this is a normal thing for babies her age, or direct me to a website that might shed some light, I'd be grateful.
Thanks again!

~Oetzi

Edit: Here are 3 examples:
http://tinypic.com/5460ix
http://tinypic.com/5460l0
http://tinypic.com/5460r6

 

[Homunculus]

if this were a mutliple choice question, i'd have to go with "d, reassurance."

an isolated tongue thing is hard to pin to anything else-- unless she is dymorphic in some other way or is having some other unusual symtoms, it's *probably* nothing. babies, especially newbies, are virtual obligate nose-breathers and maybe her sticking her tongue out just a little bit makes it easier for her to breathe. who knows.

3 weeks is a little early to be mimicking, and i imagine the "smile" you are seeing is probably gas or her pracicing using her facial muscles-- 3 weeks is a bit early for that as well.

the best thing to do would be to have it addressed at her next well baby visit. sooner if other things start acting up.

--your friendly neighborhood normoglossic caveman

 

[kas23]

If everything else seems OK (doesn't look like a FLK, active for a 3 wk old, feeding, etc...), then this is perfectly normal. My new niece does this too.

 

[nona1]

My niece did this too! Maybe it's a niece thing??

 

[kas23]

My niece did this too! Maybe it's a niece thing??

Its so cute. She is almost 6 months old now, and when she sticks out her tongue, she now makes farting noises!

 

[doc05]

doesn't look much different from every other baby I've seen.