Petition · Department of Health and Social Care

Review and fund the addition of routine NHS newborn tongue-tie assessments

Open for signatures 18 signatures

What the petition asks

Review and fund the addition of routine tongue-tie assessments for all newborn babies as part of standard NHS newborn examinations in the first days after birth, alongside existing newborn checks and appropriate referral pathways where needed.
Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth that can restrict tongue movement. In some babies, it can cause feeding difficulties, poor latch, maternal nipple pain, prolonged feeding times, and poor weight gain. The NHS recognises tongue-tie can affect both breastfeeding and bottle feeding, yet some cases are only identified after problems develop. We believe assessment during routine newborn checks could help identify feeding issues earlier and enable access to support sooner.

Timeline

31 Jul 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 18
Status Open for signatures
Department Department of Health and Social Care
Opened 31 Jul 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 1 Aug 2026.