What Is a Lip Tie on a Baby?
If you’ve recently heard the term lip tie baby and are feeling anxious, you’re not alone. Many parents are starting to wonder if lip ties in babies can affect breastfeeding or cause long-term issues — but experts say most of these concerns are unnecessary.
Let’s look at what a lip tie actually is, how to recognize it, and why most babies don’t need treatment.
What Is a Lip Tie on a Baby?
A lip tie happens when the small tissue band that connects a baby’s upper lip to their gums (the labial frenulum) is shorter or tighter than usual. This can make the upper lip seem slightly restricted.
Every baby has a frenulum — it’s a normal part of mouth anatomy. The difference in a baby lip tie is just how tight or short that tissue appears. Over time, it naturally stretches or thins as your baby grows.
Lip Tie Baby Symptoms — What Parents Often Notice
You might notice:
- A thin strip of tissue between the upper lip and gums
- The upper lip doesn’t lift easily
- Clicking sounds during feeding
- Some milk dribbling or poor suction
- Feed often but gain weight slowly
- Cause nipple pain during feeding
While these might look concerning, they don’t always indicate a problem. The appearance of a lip tie on baby varies widely, and not every tight frenulum affects feeding. Many of these lip tie baby symptoms can come from positioning or feeding technique rather than the lip tie itself.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), lip ties are normal oral structures that don’t require surgery to improve breastfeeding.
Lip Tie vs Tongue Tie: What’s the Difference?
A tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, occurs when the tiny tissue beneath a baby's tongue is slightly tighter or shorter than normal. The tongue's ability to move freely may be hampered, which may occasionally impact breastfeeding or speech sounds in the future. However, many infants with mild tongue tie eat and develop normally, and as they get older, the tightness usually goes away on its own. Doctors may recommend a quick, easy procedure called a frenotomy to release the tie if it is evident that it interferes with speaking or eating.
Do Lip Ties Need to Be Fixed?
In most cases, no.
Experts say lip ties in babies rarely need surgical correction. The procedure (called a frenotomy) involves cutting the tight tissue, but there’s little evidence that it improves feeding success or prevents speech issues later.
Before considering any procedure, talk to your pediatrician or a certified lactation consultant. They can help evaluate your baby and suggest the solutions.
How to Help Your Baby Feed Comfortably
If your baby has a lip tie but feeds well, there’s no need for intervention.
However, if feeding feels difficult, try these steps:
- Work with a lactation consultant. They can adjust latch and positioning techniques.
- Try different nursing positions. Sometimes a small change makes a big difference.
- Use a slow-flow nipple for bottle feeding to improve control.
- Be patient. Lip ties often stretch and loosen naturally by the time your baby’s canine teeth appear.
- Be sure to keep the area clean. A short upper lip frenulum can cause milk or food residue to get trapped behind your baby’s upper lip and teeth, so it’s important to gently and thoroughly clean the area behind the upper lip.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Call your pediatrician if:
- Your baby struggles to feed or isn’t gaining weight
Remember — lip ties in babies are common, and most are harmless.
Conclusion
Although it seem quite unusual, babies with tied lips are typically just a normal occurrence.You don't have to rush into surgery or panic.
The most important thing is that your baby is growing, feeding, and feeling comfortable. Additionally, you can get some extra support if you ever have concerns by having a brief conversation with your doctor or lactation consultant — along with keeping an eye on your baby using a reliable VT507 Video Baby Monitor — can give you the reassurance you need.