How to Treat Chapped Lips on a Newborn

Chapped lips can make babies fussy.

Newborns are just as susceptible to suffering from chapped lips as any child or adult. Chapped lips usually occur during the winter months when the air is drier. If a baby's lips become dry and cracked, it can make the baby not want to eat. The chapped lips must be treated so that the infant is no longer in any pain. The newborn can then go on with her feeding. Parents can treat the chapped lips easily at home.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Lanolin
• Burp cloth
• Vaseline

1. Apply a little lanolin to your baby's lips. Just dab a bit on your finger and wipe it in. This is safe to use, and won't harm your baby if he licks his lips. The lanolin will promote healing so that the cracks and dryness go away.

2. Feed your baby and then leave a little breast milk on his lips. Human milk has many antibacterial and healing properties that can help cure the chapped lips

3. Apply a tiny amount of Vaseline to the lips before bed. You can apply it with a cotton swab or with your finger. This will protect the baby's lips and keep them moist during the night.

Tips & Warnings

• There is also make an all natural Chapstick that would be safe to put on your newborn's lips. Speak with your pediatrician prior to using it.

• Keep your baby's lips covered when you go outside. Facing your baby in towards you when carrying him can prevent the wind from hitting his face. Letting the air constantly hit the lips is a sure way to have your baby end up with chapped lips.

References

• iParenting: Clinical Tip: A Safe Remedy for Chapped Lips in Newborns
• KissMeGoodnight: Treat and Prevent Chapped Lips

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• MayoClinic: Chapped Lips