Baby lips turning black after feeding


Do Baby Lips Turns Black After Breastfeeding? Try These Tips

Baby Care

  • Posted by Ninio Team

22 Feb

The lips can give you many clues about your baby’s health. For example, you may notice chapped lips after your baby has started breastfeeding. Sometimes, you may notice some discoloration after your baby starts taking to the bottle or sippy cup. Are chapped or dark lips a cause for worry? Does breastfeeding make my baby’s lips dark?  

The most common reason behind a baby’s lips discoloration is breastmilk. However, your baby’s lips do not turn dark from breastfeeding, but it is because the residue milk is not wiped properly from your baby’s lips after the feeding. 

Make sure you wipe your baby’s lips thoroughly after each feeding, and this goes not just for breastfeeding. Wipe their lips down after you have taken the bottle or sippy cup away as well. Your baby sucking too hard may also cause the lips to go dark. 

There are a few other reasons behind the discoloration of a baby’s lips. Once you know why this is happening, you can remedy it using the tips.

Some common causes that a baby’s lips turn black?

Apart from residual breast milk, a baby’s lips could turn black for a couple of other reasons. The most common of these are

  • The baby is sucking too hard while feeding 
  • Nipple cream

Your baby’s lips could turn black because it may be sucking too hard while breastfeeding. This is also true in the case of a bottle or a pacifier. When the baby sucks too hard, there is a temporary reduction of blood supply to the lips. Sometimes, the lips look darker than normal because of this. You will notice this more on the inner lips. 

Nipple cream is another thing that can cause your baby’s lips to turn black. If you use nipple cream, gently wipe it off before feeding your baby. This can be a little painful. If you do not wipe it off, the thick ointment can be left behind on your baby’s lips. This acts as a magnet to collect milk residue and dirt. 

How can I prevent my baby’s lips from turning black?

If your baby’s lips are turning black from leftover milk, it is easy to sort this by cleaning their lips with a damp cloth after every feeding. This way, there will not be any residual milk after feeding. 

If your baby’s lips are turning black from sucking too hard, they should change back to their original color in no time. 

Good oral hygiene is key to keeping your baby’s lips and gums healthy. Clean your baby’s mouth regularly. Get them used to the process. This practice will come in handy when they grow older as well. It helps to establish a routine to brush twice a day. 

Take your time cleaning your baby’s lips and gums, and do it gently. Follow the steps below to ensure no milk residue is left over after a feeding:

  1. Wash your hands and make sure they are clean.
  2. Take a small piece of cloth. Cotton or gauze will also work well for this. 
  3. Wrap the cloth around your index finger and dip it in clean water. 
  4. Wipe your baby’s gums. Be gentle but thorough.
  5. Wipe the lips. 

You need not wipe your baby’s gums after every feeding. Just the lips will do. The gums should always be wiped at night after the last feeding, though, so there is no milk residue sitting on the gums overnight. 

Is discoloration of lips normal for babies?

The discoloration is normal for babies. Other than the blackening of the lips that we have just been through, your baby’s lips may get discolored due to a couple of different reasons. Not all of them are cause for worry. However, some of them might need immediate medical attention. 

Here are some of the reasons why your baby’s lips may develop a different color:

Blue or Purple lips

Blue or purple lips could cause concern if it lasts for a prolonged time. Blue lips could indicate a lack of oxygen in the baby. If your baby seems to become less responsive, this could be a potentially serious issue known as cyanosis. Getting your baby to the emergency room is vital if you notice blue lips accompanied by a blue tongue and blue nails. They need urgent medical attention. Cyanosis can also be at birth. 

Another reason your baby’s lips turn blue is a rapid temperature change. Your baby takes a little longer to adjust to temperature changes. It is normal for their lips to change color at this time. This is quite frequent in instances where there is a sudden temperature change. Like, when they get out of the bath or are taken outside into colder temperatures. You can follow some tips to remedy this.

  1. Make sure you change your baby’s clothes quickly, so they are not exposed to the cold air after a bath. You can also have a warm towel nearby to wrap the baby in.
  2. Bundle them up properly in warm clothing when you are taking them outdoors.
  3. If it is raining, or you live in a place with frost or snow, make sure the baby is adequately covered with the right kind of clothes.  

Red lips

Your baby may have dry lips that may be redder than other babies. It could also be because the babies have been outside in higher temperatures. Remember that red lips may not necessarily be due to chapping of the lips but can sometimes be so. Occasionally, you may notice your baby’s lips being very red and swollen, which could indicate chapped lips. Chapped lips are dry or cracked lips that may be painful for your baby.

Babies have susceptible skin. The skin on the lips is also the same. So, chapped lips are typical in babies. Some common causes of chapped lips in babies are dehydration, skin shedding, sucking on the lips, skin sensitivities, weather changes, and nutritional deficiencies. Babies can also get chapped lips as a reaction to certain medications.  

If your baby is feeding well despite the red lips, they may not be bothering your baby too much. If you notice that the red lips are interfering with your baby’s feeding patterns and do not seem to be feeding very well, you can use one of the following- 

  • A dab of breast milk
  • Any organic oil – coconut, olive, or almond
  • Lip balm that is safe for your baby
  • Petroleum jelly
  • A damp cloth

All of these help to moisturize your baby’s lips. You should take a small amount of any of these and dab it onto your baby’s lips. They will provide a much-needed soothing effect for your baby while speeding up the healing process. You do not have to use a lip scrub or sugar to remove the dead skin. Do not peel the dead skin either. 

Caring tips for baby’s lips:

A baby’s skin is susceptible to heat and touch. So keep the following tips in mind when you clean their lips after feeding. 

  • Use a cloth that is soft and skin-friendly. Using a towel that is meant for adults could irritate the skin further. 
  • If you are using a warm towel after the baby’s bath, make sure it is not wet.
  • The products that you use for your skin may not suit the baby. So, do not use any cosmetics on the baby’s lips to avoid chapping. 
  • If a caretaker or nanny is cleaning the lips, instruct them to do it gently and not rub too hard to remove any splotches or patches. 
  • Do not use over-the-counter medication or any products you see on your baby’s social media. Please verify with your pediatrician or medical practitioner before using them. Also, check the ingredients on every product before use. 
  • Do not self-diagnose.

You should keep your baby healthy and avoid dark lips with these tips. However, if the problem of dark lips persists despite taking the necessary steps, please consult your doctor to ensure no underlying issue. 

Why is my baby lips turning black?

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How can I prevent my baby's lips from turning black?

Make sure you wipe your baby's lips thoroughly after each feeding, and this goes not just for breastfeeding. Wipe their lips down after you have taken the bottle or sippy cup away as well. Your baby sucking too hard may also cause the lips to go dark.

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How do I get rid of my newborn's black lips?

To treat these symptoms and moisturize the newborn's lips, people can try the following methods:

  1. Rub lanolin on their lips. ...
  2. Dab breast milk on their lips. ...
  3. Apply oils or petroleum jelly. ...
  4. Use baby-safe lip balm. ...
  5. Wrap up well in cold weather. ...
  6. Use a humidifier. ...
  7. Feed them more regularly.
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How can I make my babies black lips pink?

How To Get Pink Lips Naturally At Home

  1. Exfoliate your lips with honey and sugar scrub.
  2. Use rose petals and milk on your lips.
  3. Apply milk and turmeric pack on your lips.
  4. Apply beetroot juice on your lips.
  5. Apply ghee on your navel.
  6. Exfoliate your lips with lemon and sugar.
  7. Apply mint leaves and lemon on your lips.
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Does baby make your lips black?

It is Bcz of crusting and dryness. Due to milk and feeding which was not cleaned properly. Just maintain hydration and clean lips after feeding. No need to worry.

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Baby lips black after feeding | The Causes of Dark Lips in Babies | How to make baby lips pink |

What do black lips indicate?

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Can black lips turn pink again?

Beetroot not only gives you pink lips instantly, but also gradually. Beetroots are so rich in color that they will instantly turn your lips pink, but they also have natural bleaching properties that will turn your black lips pink again.

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How to get rid of black lips?

Home remedies

  1. Use a homemade honey scrub. Share on Pinterest Exfoliating the lips with a honey scrub can help remove dead skin cells. ...
  2. Have an almond oil lip massage. Massaging oil into the lips can help moisturize them and boost circulation. ...
  3. Make your own lip balm. ...
  4. Hydrate. ...
  5. Use lemon, with care.
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Can black lips be cured?

Here area a few measures to heal and prevent dark and chapped lips. Lemon juice can be extremely helpful in lightening the skin. Rub a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice on your lips before bed. Post waking up wash it with lukewarm water.

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Can dehydration turn lips black?

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How can I improve my baby's lips color?

Usually lips colour can be improved by applying glycerin and rubbing in circular motion to exfoliate d skin n make it soft n pi kish. People also use malai mixed with rose water on d lips.

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Are black lips reversible?

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What medical condition causes dark lips?

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, or melasma, is a common and harmless skin issue. Melasma occurs when patches of skin become discolored and appear brown or greyish. These can appear anywhere, including the lips. Hormones may play a role in hyperpigmentation, and the pregnant women are often affected.

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Is Coconut Oil good for dark lips?

Pigmentation and dark patches can easily be reduced with coconut oil. The oil contains fatty acids that help in moisturising your lips from within. Using it as a lip balm in the morning and at night will visibly reduce the pigmentation.

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Does Vaseline darken lips?

Remember, though, that your lips don't tan. So if you're asking about the actual lips themselves, this won't work. But, if you're asking about the skin of your upper lip, yes, it is very possible that putting Vaseline petroleum jelly on it will make it get darker (after exposure to sun.)

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How can I get rid of dark lips fast?

How To Lighten Dark Lips?

  1. Moisturize Your Lips With Lip Balm. Using lip balm, preferably one with a high SPF, can help in lightening dark lips. ...
  2. Use Sun Block. Always use sunscreen whether you are outdoors or indoors. ...
  3. Massage With Oils. ...
  4. Exfoliate Your Lips. ...
  5. Medical Treatments. ...
  6. Moisturize With Glycerine.
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Which cream is best for black lips?

Lip sense Lip Cream is India's First Lightening Cream with clinically proven actives for lightening of dark lips. This luxurious formula is enriched with proven natural actives, skin essential vitamins, nourishing oils, butter and hyaluronic acid in a multi functional delivery system.

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Does Vaseline make lips pink?

2) Does Vaseline make lips pink? Yes. Vaseline is an age-old product that has been used to soften and moisturise your lips. It makes your lips healthy and so in turn makes them appear lighter.

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Can vitamin D deficiency causes dark lips?

Vitamin deficiency

If the body is deficient in these vitamins, the skin may change. Dark spots on the lips or an uneven skin tone can indicate a vitamin deficiency.

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Are black lips natural?

Unless it is genetic, several health, dietary and lifestyle factors can make your lips dark. If you smoke, you may have darker lips than your non-smoking friends. Sometimes, cosmetics may also have chemicals that can turn your lips dark. A vitamin deficiency may also lead to lip discoloration.

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Are dark lips genetic?

Lips can tend to go dark for a couple of reasons, sometimes it's what you eat and drink and at other times, lip pigmentation can be genetic. So if you have dark lips right from birth, cosmetic surgery is a good option. Why does lip discoloration happen? Lack of care is one reason behind it.

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How do I know if my baby is dehydrated?

Signs of dehydration include:

  1. a dry or sticky mouth.
  2. few or no tears when crying.
  3. eyes that look sunken.
  4. in babies, the soft spot (fontanelle) on top of the head looks sunken.
  5. peeing less or fewer wet diapers than usual.
  6. crankiness.
  7. drowsiness or dizziness.
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How can I make my baby's lips pink at home?

How to get pink lips naturally

  1. Lip scrubs. Gentle exfoliation can help remove dry skin that could be giving the lips a dull, rough appearance. ...
  2. Lip massage. Massage can boost circulation to the lips, which may make them appear pinker. ...
  3. Lip masks. ...
  4. Peppermint oil lip balm.
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How can I make my baby lips pink naturally?

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Does saliva turn lips black?

Licking your lips is a detrimental habit that makes your lips and the area around your mouth darker. Saliva contains enzymes that help break down food, and when you repeatedly lick lips, it can irritate the thin, delicate skin, causing it to become darker in colour.

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Why teeth turn black and how to overcome the problem?

If the tooth turns black in the absence of pain, look for the cause: the health of the teeth, their structure and color are in direct proportion to proper nutrition and hygiene. This article is about the possible causes of tooth discoloration and ways to overcome such a problem.

Common Causes

Teeth discoloration can look different:

  • If plaque is not removed properly, the color of the dentition looks uneven, darker at the base and brighter towards the edge; possible causes are the abuse of coffee and tea (strongly brewed drinks have a powerful coloring effect) and smoking. It is very difficult for tea, coffee and nicotine lovers to maintain a snow-white smile, they practically have to choose between beautiful teeth and established habits.
  • If one or more teeth have a pronounced color difference, we have to talk about poor-quality canal treatment or the development of secondary caries (after the removal of the nerve, the darkening of the tooth is due to lack of nutrition and is natural; the dark rim around the filling is a signal for its immediate replacement due to seal failure). An injury that caused the death of a nerve or internal bleeding can also lead to darkening of the tooth; whiteness can only be restored by careful treatment of the canals, sometimes with intracanal bleaching.

Black plaque is not only a sentence for a smile, but also a possible cause of caries. Only regular visits to the dentist will help you avoid trouble and keep your teeth healthy and white.

Why children's teeth turn black

If there are many explanations for the darkening of tooth enamel in adults, black teeth in a child cause bewilderment and confusion in parents. In fact, a child’s teeth can darken even with careful hygiene and in the absence of chronic diseases.

There are several reasons for the problem, the main one is improper nutrition with the amount of sweets in the diet: microbes, like people, love sweets, the effect of sweet food on tooth enamel is negative, associated with the appearance of a dense microbial biofilm. Other common causes:

  • genetic predisposition
  • lack of calcium
  • dysbacteriosis
  • early caries self-eliminating with age, but it is better to clarify the diagnosis with a dentist. Dark spots and dots on the baby’s teeth should also cause anxiety: contrary to the prevailing opinion that milk teeth should not be treated, in the absence of adequate treatment, permanent ones that grow to replace them are often damaged.

    Black teeth in a child is an alarming signal that requires immediate preventive examination by a dentist, since all pathologies develop rapidly in childhood.

    Black teeth: treatment methods

    What can be done at home

    It is well known that giving up smoking and limiting oneself in the use of such coloring drinks as strong coffee and tea can make teeth lighter.

    Another obvious requirement is regular brushing of teeth with the addition of additional oral hygiene products (dental floss, rinses, etc.)

    On the Internet, you can find many recommendations for changing the shade of tooth enamel using folk remedies, but you should not rely on such solutions, since only professional hygiene and whitening give real results. Do not self-medicate!

    If you decide to visit a dentist

    Provide the specialist with as much information as possible about your health, lifestyle and bad habits at the first appointment - this will help the dentist to stop the cause of the pathology faster and more accurately.

    If the discoloration is due to caries, recent nerve removal, or other dental problems, treatment will be required. Today, dentistry is fighting for every tooth, offering a solution even in situations that seem hopeless, including restoring teeth with crowns or veneers.

    The method of treatment is selected on an individual basis, taking into account the general condition of the oral cavity.

    Ways to treat black teeth

    • If black stripes or spots appear on the teeth due to improper care, professional hygiene is prescribed. In our clinic, you can sign up for a "denticure", your teeth will be freed from plaque, and your smile will again be attractive
    • If your teeth are blackened due to food coloring, then professional or home whitening, the use of special pastes and the exclusion of coloring products from your daily menu will help
    • If your teeth are blackened due to caries, then sanitation with further tooth restoration and preventive procedures to strengthen your teeth. No dentist will remove black teeth without understanding the cause

    Provide thorough and competent oral care - and you will never know what black plaque is. Consult a dental hygienist to learn how to properly brush your teeth, choose a toothbrush and toothpaste.

    A heartfelt question. Why do baby's lips turn blue?

    Recently, at consultations with pediatric specialists, more and more often parents ask the question: “Why does my child have cyanosis or marbling of the skin around the mouth, nasolabial triangle?” Explanations on this subject are given by pediatric cardiologist Irina Gruzinova.

    Author: Lyudmila Geiman Photo: lisa.ru

    - First, about the causes of blue lips in children. Children's lips should be a natural pink color. Generally speaking, any bluing on the body should be cause for concern, as it may be a sign of cyanosis.

    Cyanosis indicates that there is not enough oxygen in the blood. Often this is due to congenital heart disease, but cyanosis can also be caused by septic shock, an epileptic seizure, or a lung disease such as pneumonia, asthma, or laryngitis.

    However, cyanosis is not always dangerous. Newborns and infants may have natural acrocyanosis - bluish lips or a bluish tint to the skin on the arms and legs. In this case, blueing is peripheral cyanosis and resolves on its own, with the development of the circulatory system.

    Dear parents, it is very important to remember why your child's lips turned blue in order to identify a potentially dangerous disorder. What to pay attention to?

    • Is your child developing normally? Weight loss or poor weight gain may indicate a dangerous health problem.

    •Has your child been diagnosed with a heart murmur? If so, then you need to seek emergency help.

    • Does the child have any other symptoms, such as coughing or difficulty breathing when lips turn blue? This may be one of the symptoms of asthma.

    • Is the child active? Does he get tired quickly compared to his peers? If the child quickly overworks, blue lips may indicate a more serious problem.

    • Does the child become lethargic and drowsy after blue lips? Perhaps his brain and organs lack oxygen.

    Regardless of whether the child's blue lips are accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician or cardiologist as soon as possible. Only a doctor can determine whether this cyanosis is dangerous to the health of the child.

    In the case where cyanosis is in doubt, the child may be referred for additional diagnostics, including pulse oximetry, a blood test, a chest x-ray, or an ECG, if there is a suspicion of abnormal heart function. If changes are found on the cardiogram, then an in-depth examination of the child's heart will be recommended - echocardiography. Using this method, it is possible to evaluate blood flow in the vessels, the structure and operation of valves, and the contractile function of the heart muscle.


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