Dryness of Lips in Infants

Quick Answer

Dry, chapped lips (sukhe hoth) in babies are common and usually not a cause for concern. The most common causes are dehydration, dry weather, excessive drooling during teething, and lip-licking. Simple home remedies like applying breast milk, coconut oil, or baby-safe lip balm usually solve the problem. However, if dryness is severe, cracked, bleeding, or accompanied by other symptoms, consult your pediatrician.

Why Do Babies Get Dry Lips?

Common Causes by Age

Newborns (0-3 months):

Cause	Why It Happens	Solution
Normal skin adjustment	Baby’s skin adapting to outside environment	Gentle moisturizing
Dehydration	Not feeding enough	Increase breastmilk/formula feeds
Low humidity	Dry room air, AC/heater	Use humidifier
Lip sucking	Comfort habit	Will resolve naturally

Older Babies (3-12 months):

Cause	Why It Happens	Solution
Teething drool	Excess saliva irritates lips	Keep lips dry, apply barrier
Lip licking	Self-soothing behavior	Distract baby, keep moisturized
Weather changes	Cold/dry/windy weather	Protect when going outside
Solid foods	New foods, acidic fruits	Wipe lips after feeding
Dehydration	Not enough fluids	Offer breastmilk/formula/water

Less Common Causes

• Allergic reaction - To new food, soap, or product
• Sunburn - Exposure to harsh sun
• Illness with fever - Causes dehydration
• Vitamin deficiency - B vitamins, rare if diet is balanced
• Kawasaki disease - Very rare, comes with other symptoms

Signs That Dry Lips Are Normal

Don’t worry if:

• Lips are slightly dry but not cracked
• Baby is feeding well and producing wet diapers
• No other symptoms (no fever, rash, etc.)
• Baby seems comfortable
• Dryness improves with moisturizing

When Dry Lips Need Attention

Consult doctor if:

• Lips are cracked and bleeding
• Pus or signs of infection
• Baby refuses to feed due to lip pain
• Accompanied by fever
• Rash around mouth or body
• Severe dryness that doesn’t improve
• Baby seems dehydrated (few wet diapers, dry mouth, lethargy)

Step-by-Step Guide: Treating Dry Lips at Home

Step 1: Ensure Adequate Hydration

For babies under 6 months:

• Only breastmilk or formula - no water needed

• Feed on demand

• Check for adequate wet diapers (6-8 daily) For babies 6+ months:

• Continue breastmilk/formula feeds

• Offer small sips of water between feeds

• Hydrating foods: watermelon, cucumber, oranges Formula feeding guide:

Age	Amount per Feed	Daily Feeds
Newborn	60-90ml	8-12
1-3 months	90-120ml	6-8
3-6 months	120-180ml	5-6
6-12 months	180-240ml	4-5

Formula options: NAN, Lactogen, Similac, Aptamil - all appropriate

Step 2: Apply Safe Moisturizers

Best options for baby lips:

• Breast milk (best for newborns)

• Apply a drop to lips after feeding

• Natural antibodies help healing

• Completely safe if baby licks

• Coconut oil (nariyal tel)

• Pure, virgin coconut oil

• Apply thin layer 2-3 times daily

• Safe if ingested

• Ghee (desi ghee)

• Traditional Indian remedy

• Apply small amount

• Safe and effective

• Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)

• Locks in moisture

• Apply after bath and before sleep

• Safe in small amounts

• Baby lip balms

• Look for: fragrance-free, no artificial colors

• Brands: Mamaearth, The Moms Co., Sebamed baby

• Price: Rs. 150-300 Avoid:

• Adult lip balms with menthol/camphor

• Products with fragrance

• Medicated ointments without doctor’s advice

Step 3: Protect from Irritants

During teething:

• Gently wipe drool frequently

• Apply barrier (coconut oil/petroleum jelly) around mouth

• Use soft cloth, not rough wipes In dry/cold weather:

• Use a humidifier in baby’s room

• Cover baby’s face lightly when going outside

• Apply moisturizer before going out After feeding:

• Gently wipe lips and chin

• Apply moisturizer

• Change bibs frequently if drooling

Step 4: Address Underlying Issues

If lip-licking is the cause:

• Keep lips moisturized to reduce urge to lick

• Offer pacifier (if used) for oral comfort

• Distract baby with toys If teething is the cause:

• Address teething discomfort (cold teethers, massage gums)

• Keep mouth area clean and dry

• Apply barrier cream around mouth

Home Remedies for Dry Baby Lips

Remedy	How to Use	Frequency
Breast milk	Dab on lips	After each feed
Coconut oil	Thin layer	2-3 times daily
Ghee	Small amount on fingertip	2-3 times daily
Petroleum jelly	Thin layer	Before bed, after bath
Honey	NOT for babies under 1 year!	-

Cost-effective approach:

• Coconut oil: Rs. 150-200 per bottle (lasts months)
• Ghee: Already in most Indian kitchens
• Breast milk: Free!

Tips for Prevention

• Maintain good hydration - Adequate milk feeds throughout day
• Use humidifier - Especially in AC/heated rooms
• Avoid over-bathing - Strips natural oils
• Pat dry, don’t rub - Gentle on baby’s skin
• Moisturize after bath - While skin is slightly damp
• Protect in harsh weather - Cover face lightly
• Choose gentle products - Fragrance-free soap and wipes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using adult lip products - May contain harmful ingredients
• Applying honey before 1 year - Risk of botulism
• Licking baby’s lips for moisture - Transfers bacteria
• Using flavored lip balms - Baby will lick more
• Ignoring signs of dehydration - Check wet diapers
• Over-wiping - Causes further irritation
• Not changing wet bibs - Constant moisture worsens chapping

When to See a Doctor

See your pediatrician if:

• Lips are severely cracked or bleeding
• Signs of infection (pus, increasing redness, swelling)
• Baby won’t feed due to lip discomfort
• Dryness persists despite home care for 1+ week
• Rash around mouth or spreading to face
• Baby seems dehydrated:
• Fewer than 6 wet diapers daily
• Dry mouth and tongue
• Sunken soft spot
• Lethargy or excessive fussiness
• Accompanied by fever, vomiting, or other symptoms

Expert Insight: As Dr. Sumitra says, ‘Fed is best. Formula is a completely valid choice and provides excellent nutrition.‘

FAQs

Q: Can dehydration cause dry lips even if baby is breastfeeding frequently?

A: Yes, if breastmilk supply is low or baby isn’t latching effectively, dehydration can occur. Signs include: dry lips, fewer wet diapers, concentrated (dark) urine, and lethargy. If you suspect dehydration, see your pediatrician promptly. Formula supplementation (NAN, Lactogen, Similac) may be recommended while working on breastfeeding issues.

Q: Is it safe to apply ghee on newborn’s lips?

A: Yes, pure desi ghee is safe for baby’s lips and is a traditional Indian remedy for dry skin. Apply a small amount with clean finger. It’s natural, has no harmful chemicals, and is safe if baby ingests a small amount. Many families have used this remedy for generations.

Q: My teething baby’s lips are always wet from drool but still dry and cracked. Why?

A: Paradoxically, constant wetness from drool causes chapping! Saliva contains enzymes that irritate skin, and repeated wetting-drying cycles remove natural oils. Solution: Frequently (but gently) pat lips dry with soft cloth and apply barrier like coconut oil or petroleum jelly to protect the skin.

Q: Can formula cause dry lips?

A: Formula itself doesn’t cause dry lips. However, if baby isn’t getting adequate formula (wrong dilution, missed feeds), dehydration can occur. Ensure you’re preparing formula correctly - follow tin instructions exactly. Brands like NAN, Lactogen, Similac, and Aptamil all have clear preparation guidelines.

Q: Should I use a humidifier in my baby’s room?

A: Yes, a humidifier helps in dry climates, during winter, or in AC rooms. Optimal humidity is 40-50%. Clean the humidifier regularly to prevent mold growth. It helps not just dry lips but also prevents nasal congestion and keeps skin healthy. Cool mist humidifiers are safer than warm mist for baby rooms.

Q: My baby has dry lips and a diaper rash. Are they related?

A: Both could be signs of mild dehydration or a food sensitivity/allergy. Ensure adequate fluid intake through breastmilk/formula. If baby recently started new foods, consider if that could be triggering both symptoms. If both conditions persist or worsen, consult your pediatrician.

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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025

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