Newborn Lip Care: Chapped Lips Normal?

Newborns' lips may appear chapped as their skin adjusts to the environment outside the womb. This is a common issue and usually resolves on its own. However, it's important to monitor for other symptoms and seek medical advice if the problem persists or is accompanied by discomfort or feeding difficulties. Chapped lips in newborns can be treated with home remedies such as lanolin, breast milk, and natural oils like coconut or olive oil.

Chapped lips are normal for newborns

It is perfectly normal for newborns to have chapped lips. In most cases, it is simply their skin adjusting to the outside world after being in the womb, where they were coated in a thick, white substance called vernix, which protected their skin.

Causes

Chapped lips can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Dehydration
• Dry or hot weather
• Friction from nursing, using a pacifier, or taking a bottle
• Sun exposure
• Drooling and lip-licking
• Allergic reactions to cosmetics, lotions, creams, or other products
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Medications

Treatments and Remedies

If your newborn has chapped lips, there are several effective treatments and home remedies you can try:

• Breast milk: Applying a few drops of breast milk to your baby's lips can help soothe and moisturize them while also providing antibacterial protection.
• Lanolin: A natural substance found in sheep's wool, lanolin is safe to use on newborn lips and can provide hydration and relief.
• Oils: Natural oils like olive oil and coconut oil have moisturizing properties and can help soften and hydrate your baby's lips.
• Petroleum jelly: Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly can help lock in moisture and protect your baby's lips, especially overnight. However, use it with caution as it can cause stomach problems if ingested.
• Baby-safe lip balm: Use only products specifically designed for babies, as adult lip balms may contain chemicals that are not safe for newborns.
• Humidifier: Using a humidifier in your baby's room can add moisture to the air, helping to hydrate their lips and skin.
• Clothing protection: When going outside, especially in cold or windy weather, dress your baby in protective clothing like a coat, scarf, and hat to shield them from the elements.
• Regular feeding: Ensure your baby is well-nourished and hydrated by maintaining a regular feeding schedule. If you suspect dehydration, consult your pediatrician immediately.

Chapped lips can be caused by friction from nursing

Chapped lips are a common issue for newborns, and while they usually aren't a cause for concern, they can be uncomfortable for your baby. Chapped lips can be caused by a variety of factors, including dehydration, dry weather, and friction from nursing.

Friction from nursing or bottle-feeding is a common cause of chapped lips in newborns. The constant sucking action creates friction between the baby's lips and the nipple or bottle, leading to dryness and cracking. This is especially true if there is a poor latch or an improper seal of the lips during feeding. In some cases, blisters may form on the lips due to the friction, but these are typically harmless and will go away on their own.

To prevent and treat chapped lips caused by nursing, you can try the following:

• Consult a lactation consultant or pediatrician to ensure your baby is latching correctly and there are no issues with the lip seal.
• Apply a small amount of breast milk to your baby's lips before and after feeding. Breast milk has antibacterial properties and can help soothe and moisturize the skin.
• Use a safe, natural lip balm designed specifically for babies to create a protective barrier on the lips before feeding. Look for products with natural ingredients and avoid those with chemicals found in adult lip balms.
• Keep your baby's skin and lips moisturized by using a humidifier in their room, especially during dry winter months.
• Ensure your baby is well-nourished and hydrated by feeding them regularly. Dehydration can contribute to chapped lips, so it is important to maintain a consistent feeding schedule.

Remember, it is always best to consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby's health or if the chapped lips persist despite your efforts to treat and prevent them.

Chapped lips can be caused by weather conditions

Similarly, hot, dry climates can also be drying. Sun exposure can cause chapped lips, with frequent sun exposure being a cause of actinic cheilitis, a type of lip inflammation. Therefore, it is important to protect your lips from the sun by using a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher and reapplying it every two hours when outdoors.

To prevent chapped lips caused by dry air, you can use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially in your bedroom.

Chapped lips can be caused by dehydration

Chapped lips in newborns are common and are usually not a cause for concern. However, in some cases, they can indicate dehydration or other health issues.

Dehydration and Chapped Lips

Chapped lips can be a sign of dehydration in newborns. Newborns can become dehydrated if they do not get enough breast milk or formula milk. On hot days, they may need additional feeds to prevent dehydration. Dehydration occurs when the body loses water and nutrients rapidly, affecting its normal function. Other signs of dehydration in newborns include:

• A sunken fontanel (the soft spot on a baby's head)
• Crying without tears
• Fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours
• Dry and wrinkled skin
• Deep, rapid breathing
• Cool and blotchy hands and feet

Other Causes of Chapped Lips

In addition to dehydration, chapped lips in newborns can be caused by various factors, including:

• Dry or cold weather: Cold, dry air during winter can be drying to a baby's skin and lips.
• Friction from nursing: The friction from breastfeeding or using a pacifier can contribute to chapped lips due to the constant sucking action.
• Sun exposure: Prolonged sun exposure can dry out a newborn's delicate skin and lips.
• Lip-licking and drooling: The evaporation of saliva from lip-licking and drooling can lead to dry, chapped lips.
• Allergic reactions: Allergies to cosmetics, lotions, creams, or fabrics that come into contact with the baby's lips can cause irritation and chapping.
• Nutritional deficiencies: In rare cases, chapped lips could indicate a deficiency in certain nutrients, such as vitamin A.

Treating and Preventing Chapped Lips

To treat and prevent chapped lips in newborns, here are some recommended steps:

• Use breast milk: Dabbing a few drops of breast milk on the lips can help moisturize and protect them due to its antibacterial properties.
• Apply natural oils or petroleum jelly: Natural oils like olive oil or coconut oil can soften the skin and reduce dryness. Petroleum jelly can help lock in moisture, but use it cautiously as it may cause stomach upset if ingested.
• Choose baby-safe products: Avoid using adult lip balms or creams. Opt for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and natural products specifically designed for newborns' sensitive skin.
• Increase humidity: Use a humidifier in the baby's room to add moisture to the air, helping to hydrate their lips and skin.
• Protect from the elements: Cover the baby's lips when going outside, especially in cold, sunny, or windy weather. Dress them appropriately for the weather to shield them from the elements.
• Regular feeding: Ensure the baby is well-nourished and hydrated by maintaining regular feedings of breast milk or formula. Dehydration can contribute to chapped lips.

Chapped lips can be treated with breast milk

It is very normal for newborns to develop chapped lips, and it is rarely a cause for concern. Chapped lips in newborns may feel dry to the touch, look sore, and have cracks on the surface.

Breast milk is the best option for treating chapped lips. It is loaded with everything your baby needs to stay nourished. In addition to all of the nutrients that it contains, it also has antibacterial properties. This means that your breast milk can help heal your baby’s chapped lips.

You can either squeeze out milk from your breast directly onto your baby’s lips, or you can use a few drops of previously extracted milk. If you aren’t breastfeeding, ask a friend if they have a few ounces of extra breast milk you can use for your newborn. All you have to do is dab a bit of milk onto your little one’s lips to provide natural protection and moisture.

Breast milk will heal the skin and protect your baby against bacteria. In some cases, you might not be breastfeeding your little one enough. According to the Mayo Clinic, most newborns need 8 to 12 feedings a day, or about one feeding every 2 to 3 hours.

Chapped lips can also be prevented by keeping the baby's skin moisturised and protected from the elements.

Frequently asked questions