Signs of Lip Tie in Newborns: A Complete Guide

May 15, 2026 · 5 min read

TL;DR — The Bottom Line

The signs of lip tie in newborns almost always appear during feeding: a shallow or painful latch, clicking sounds while nursing, milk leaking from the corners of the mouth, slow weight gain, and excessive gas or fussiness after feeds. A lip tie is caused by a tight or thick labial frenulum that restricts the upper lip's movement. If you notice these signs in your newborn, a prompt evaluation by a tongue-tie specialist — ideally working alongside your lactation consultant and pediatrician — can help restore comfortable, effective feeding before the problem compounds.

Quick Facts

Definition: A lip tie is a shortened or thick labial frenulum that limits upper lip movement in newborns
Occurrence: Lip ties frequently occur alongside tongue ties, compounding feeding difficulties
Primary concern: Feeding function — not appearance alone — drives clinical diagnosis
Key maternal clue: Nipple pain, cracking, or feeling the baby never fully empties the breast
Growth red flag: Inadequate weight gain or slow weight gain after the first newborn week
Treatment: A laser frenectomy performed by a trained specialist can release the restriction quickly and safely

Becoming a new parent is one of life's most profound experiences — and one of its most exhausting, especially when feeding isn't going smoothly. If your newborn struggles to latch, seems to nurse constantly without satisfaction, or leaves you with cracked and painful nipples every single session, something beyond simple technique may be at play. One of the most commonly overlooked culprits is a lip tie. Understanding the signs of lip tie in newborns can be the first step toward getting your baby — and yourself — the relief you both deserve.

At Lakeland Tongue Tie, we specialize in identifying and treating oral restrictions in infants, children, adolescents, and adults across Central Florida. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything parents need to know about the signs of lip tie in newborns: what to look for, why it matters, and what to do next.

Lip Tie: A lip tie (also called a maxillary labial frenulum restriction) occurs when the piece of tissue connecting the upper lip to the upper gum — called the labial frenulum — is too short, thick, or tightly attached, limiting the normal range of motion of the upper lip during feeding and other oral functions.

What Causes a Lip Tie in Newborns?

A lip tie is congenital, meaning it is present at birth. During fetal development, the labial frenulum forms as part of normal oral anatomy. In some babies, this tissue develops in a way that is thicker, shorter, or lower-attached than typical, tethering the upper lip too close to the gum line. This restricts the lip's ability to flange outward — the natural curling motion that creates a proper seal during breastfeeding or bottle feeding.

Research suggests there may be a genetic component, as lip ties and tongue ties tend to run in families. It is also well-established that lip ties frequently co-occur with tongue ties, and when both are present, feeding challenges can be significantly more severe. Recognizing the signs of lip tie in newborns early allows families to address the issue before weeks of difficult feeding take a toll on milk supply, maternal wellbeing, and infant growth.

Q: Can a lip tie resolve on its own without treatment?
Unlike some minor frenula that naturally recede as a baby grows, a clinically significant lip tie that is actively disrupting feeding rarely self-resolves. The restriction is structural, and without intervention, the functional problems — poor latch, inefficient milk transfer, slow weight gain — typically persist or worsen. Early evaluation is always recommended when symptoms are present.

Signs of Lip Tie in Newborns During Feeding

The most telling signs of lip tie in newborns show up during feeding — whether at the breast or bottle. Because feeding is a newborn's primary activity, any restriction in the upper lip's range of motion will quickly become apparent. Here are the key feeding-related signs parents and caregivers should watch for.

Shallow or Difficult Latch

A baby with a lip tie often cannot flange (curl outward) the upper lip adequately to achieve a deep latch. Instead of latching onto the breast tissue broadly and deeply, the baby latches mostly onto the nipple. This shallow latch is one of the earliest and most consistent signs of lip tie in newborns. You may notice the upper lip curled inward rather than flanged out like a fish's mouth, making it nearly impossible to create the suction seal needed for efficient milk transfer.

Clicking, Smacking, or Gulping Sounds While Nursing

When the upper lip cannot maintain a consistent seal around the breast or bottle nipple, air enters with each suck. This creates an audible clicking, smacking, or gulping sound during feeds. Many parents describe it as the sound of repeatedly losing a suction seal. This is a hallmark sign among the signs of lip tie in newborns, and it also explains why these babies swallow excessive air — leading to gassiness, bloating, and reflux afterward.

Milk Leaking from the Corners of the Mouth

If your baby's upper lip cannot wrap and seal properly, milk will escape from the corners of the mouth rather than being efficiently swallowed. You may notice your baby's chin, neck, or the surrounding feeding area is frequently wet during feeds. While occasional dripping is normal in very young newborns still learning to coordinate sucking and swallowing, consistent and significant milk leakage is one of the recognizable signs of lip tie in newborns that warrants closer evaluation.

Very Long or Very Frequent Feeding Sessions

Because a lip-tied baby cannot transfer milk efficiently, they must work harder and longer to get the calories they need. Feeds that should last 10–20 minutes may stretch to 45 minutes or more, only for the baby to appear hungry again shortly after. Parents often describe feeling like they are