Identifying and Treating a Lip Tie in Babies and Toddlers

Lip tie – a tight or thick upper lip frenulum – can interfere with an infant’s ability to latch and feed. It occurs when the labial frenulum (the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums) is abnormally short or stiff, restricting lip movement. Not all babies with an attached frenulum have problems – this is a normal structure – but a true lip tie causes difficulty flanging the lip outward, which can make breastfeeding (or bottle feeding) challenging. Breastfeeding success relies on the baby’s ability to seal the lips around the nipple; a pronounced lip tie may prevent a tight seal. Early identification and proper treatment (often a simple procedure called a frenectomy) can resolve feeding issues and prevent future problems.

Babies with a lip tie may show subtle signs like nipple pain in the mother, poor latch, or frequent nursing – signals that warrant examination by a pediatrician or lactation consultant. According to pediatric experts, it’s important to rule out other causes first, since “most difficulties with breastfeeding, including pain, are not due to ankyloglossia (tongue tie)” – and similarly, isolated lip ties often do not cause problems unless severe. When a baby is struggling to feed, healthcare providers carefully assess lip movement and the frenulum’s attachment to determine if a lip tie is present. This guide covers everything parents need to know about lip tie in babies and toddlers: what it looks like, how it’s diagnosed, potential effects on feeding and development, and the safest treatment options.

What Is a Lip Tie?

A lip tie occurs when the upper lip’s frenulum (a fold of tissue) is unusually tight, thick, or attached low on the gumline, limiting upward movement of the lip. Every baby has a labial frenulum connecting lip to gum, but in most cases it doesn’t restrict function. A lip tie is only a concern if it interferes with the baby’s oral function. Some doctors describe a lip tie as the frenulum being “attached too closely” or causing a gap between the lip and gums.

In medical terms, the superior labial frenulum attaches at the midline underside of the upper lip. Dentists and lactation professionals often use classification systems (Kotlow’s 4 grades or newer scales) to describe where the frenulum attaches – from minimal (Grade 1) to extending onto the gum papilla or palate (Grade 4). However, studies show these grading systems are not very reliable between observers. In fact, one study found all newborns had a labial frenulum and 83% attached at the gum margin, and expert agreement on grading was poor. Thus, the mere appearance of a lip frenulum does not automatically mean there is a problematic lip tie – what matters is whether it functionally limits the lip.

Lip Tie vs Normal Frenulum

It’s normal for the upper lip to have some frenulum. In a typical infant, lifting the upper lip causes the frenulum to stretch but still allow lip movement over the gum. A lip tie is suspected when lifting the lip is difficult or the lip curls under (does not “flange”) because the tissue is too tight. Importantly, when there are no symptoms, an attached frenulum is simply a labial frenulum, not a problem. Only when feeding or speech is affected by limited lip mobility do doctors consider it a true lip tie.

Kotlow’s classification defines a problematic lip tie as one that prevents the baby from flanging the upper lip around the nipple for a good latch. In practice, this means the frenulum is so tight (often Grade 3 or 4) that the baby’s lip can’t move adequately during nursing. A short, low-attaching frenulum may also cause a noticeable gap between the front teeth (diastema) later on, though this is generally benign.

Causes and Risk Factors

Lip ties often run in families. Though not fully understood, they are thought to be largely genetic, similar to tongue ties. They are not caused by anything the parents did. There is no known way to prevent a baby from having a tight frenulum – it is a congenital condition.

Both lip ties and tongue ties are considered tethered oral tissues (sometimes called TOTS), and babies can have one or both. In fact, many infants with feeding issues have a combined lip and tongue tie. When one is present, caregivers often check for the other. However, research suggests tongue-tie and lip-tie don’t always occur together. In one clinical study, there was no association between tongue-tie and lip-tie: a baby could have a significant tongue restriction with little or no lip tie, or vice versa. Thus each needs separate assessment.

Some experts are concerned that lip ties have become an “overdiagnosed” trendy issue, with many clinics offering releases. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises caution: “most difficulties with breastfeeding…are not due to ankyloglossia,” and providers should rule out other issues first. This reflects the idea that not all tight frenula cause problems.

Symptoms and Signs in Babies

Babies with a significant lip tie may exhibit feeding challenges or other symptoms. Parents and clinicians look for these clues:

• Difficulty Latching: The most common sign is trouble latching onto the breast or bottle. The baby may be unable to maintain suction, pop on and off, or make a clicking sound as air enters around a loose seal.
• Pain for the Mother: If the mother feels pain, pinching, or nipple damage during feeds, a lip tie (especially with a tongue tie) might be a culprit. The baby’s lip slipping or pressing on the nipple can distort it.
• Poor Weight Gain: Babies with a restrictive lip tie may tire quickly or not transfer enough milk, leading to slow or inadequate weight gain. They might take a long time to feed but still seem hungry.
• Frequent/Prolonged Feeding: A baby might nurse constantly yet seem unsatisfied. This can cause maternal frustration and exhaustion.
• Audible Cues: Some babies “smack” or “click” frequently when feeding, due to breaks in suction. Others swallow loudly or gulp air (gassiness) if too much air is drawn in. Reflux-like symptoms (colic, spitting up, excessive gas) may result from inefficient feeding.
• Preference for Bottle: Interestingly, some lip-tied babies breastfeed poorly but take bottle or cup feeds more easily. This is because a bottle nipple may require less lip flange. If the baby feeds fine from a bottle or expressed milk by syringe but not at the breast, this suggests an oral restriction.
• Lip Appearance: On exam, the baby’s upper lip may seem tethered. When the baby cries, you might see the upper lip cannot move freely or the frenulum is very short. A clinician can gently lift the lip: if blanching (white color) appears on the gum, that indicates tension in the frenulum. If the lip simply flares out normally, the frenulum is likely not the issue.
• Other Feeding Clues: The mother’s nipples may look pinched or white after feeds, or the baby might drop to one side of the breast or not let a pacifier stay in. While these signs are not exclusive to lip tie, they can prompt a check of the frenulum.

Babies can compensate remarkably well, so symptoms vary. A mild lip tie (Kotlow Class 1 or 2) often causes no obvious problems. Severe lip ties (Class 3 or 4) are much more likely to be symptomatic. Notably, experts emphasize that having a lip tie does not always mean trouble. Many infants with tight frenula breastfeed normally. If the baby is gaining weight and mom is comfortable, the lip tie may not need any treatment.

Effects on Breastfeeding and Feeding

When problematic, a lip tie interferes with effective breastfeeding. Normally, an infant flanges the upper lip outward over the nipple and compresses the breast well. A tight frenulum can prevent this flange, causing an inefficient latch. The nipple may stay near the lip or in the upper palate rather than deep in the mouth, leading to poor milk transfer and maternal nipple trauma. Over time, this can lower milk supply and reduce the child’s weight gain if unaddressed.

Even if the baby is switched to bottle feedings (breastmilk or formula), a lip tie can still cause problems. As noted by a pediatric dentist, pooling of milk and debris can collect under the lip tie, promoting tooth decay or early cavities in the front teeth. Parents often note that food or milk dregs get stuck at the lip line, which can be hard to clean. Some pediatric dentists believe untreated lip ties may increase the risk of upper front tooth decay later on.

For solid foods in toddlers, a significant lip tie might make using a spoon awkward or cause the child to latch their lips to the spoon in an unusual way. Young children may drool more, have difficulty blowing kisses or whistling (because of restricted lip movement), and could have speech articulation issues down the road. Specifically, labial sounds (like “b,” “p,” “m”) theoretically require good upper lip motion. While a lip tie alone rarely causes major speech delay, if speech goals are delayed, clinicians will evaluate for tongue and lip ties among other causes. In severe cases, speech therapists and pediatricians have noted lip ties can contribute to delays in feeding and speech development.

Overall, the main concerns of an infant lip tie are feeding inefficiency and dental hygiene. A slight lip tie usually causes no long-term harm, but if the baby is struggling to feed or maintain weight, it warrants correction. An expert review found that while tongue ties clearly impact breastfeeding, “there is no similar evidence for the superior labial frenula” regarding feeding. In other words, tongue ties have more proven impact on feeding than isolated lip ties. However, if a lip tie and tongue tie coexist, they collectively can worsen feeding issues.

Diagnosis: Exam and Evaluation

If parents notice feeding issues, the first step is a thorough feeding evaluation by a pediatrician, lactation consultant (IBCLC), or pediatric dentist. This involves watching a feeding and examining the baby’s mouth. The examiner will look at the oral anatomy while the baby is calm and also during feeding.

Key diagnostic checks include: lifting the upper lip to inspect the frenulum attachment, assessing how far the lip can lift, and observing the baby’s latch. If the lip barely lifts or an obvious band of tissue tethers the lip close to the gums, this suggests a lip tie. Healthcare providers often use supplemental tools: for example, they may mark the frenulum or use their fingertip (sometimes with a gloved, moist finger) to try flanging the lip. “Blanching” (whitening) of the tissue indicates tension. They also check the tongue’s mobility at the same time (checking for tongue tie), because combined ties are common in difficult cases.

Some formal scales exist. The Kotlow classification (Grades 1–4) describes where the frenulum attaches. Stanford classification is another scale (Types 1–4). But, as noted, these grades are hard to apply consistently. Therefore, diagnosis is mainly clinical: does the tie functionally limit feeding? If so, it is considered significant. If a baby is feeding well, the grade is an academic detail rather than a problem needing fixed.

Medical history is also crucial. Pediatricians review how breastfeeding or bottle-feeding is going: Is the baby gaining weight normally? Are feeding sessions excessively long? Is the mother experiencing nipple pain? They rule out other issues that mimic tie problems (tongue thrust, palate shape, reflux, or latching technique). The AAP recommends managing breastfeeding with lactation support and only performing frenotomy if the tie is clearly impairing feeding after conservative measures.

Lip Tie vs Tongue Tie: It’s common during diagnosis to check both. If an infant has poor tongue movement (ankylglossia), sometimes releasing only the tongue yields improvement, without touching the lip tie. Indeed, a recent study found that only ~6% of infants treated for feeding trouble needed a subsequent lip tie release, meaning many did fine with tongue release alone. However, if after a tongue-tie release the latch is still poor, or if the lip tie is extremely tight (Kotlow 3–4), a lip frenotomy (frenectomy) might be recommended.

Treatment Options

When a lip tie is deemed to cause problems, the standard treatment is a frenectomy (also called frenulotomy or frenulotomy when minor). This is a quick outpatient procedure to cut the tight frenulum. It is similar to a tongue-tie clipping, but on the upper lip. If both a lip tie and tongue tie are present, sometimes they are released together for best effect.

Frenectomy (Lip Tie Revision): Level 1–2 lip ties are usually left alone. For level 3–4 (where the frenulum extends onto the gums or papilla and is very tight), many clinicians recommend a frenectomy. The baby can be as young as a few weeks old for this procedure. A qualified pediatrician, ENT, or pediatric dentist can perform it.

The method: Traditionally, scissors are used to snip the frenulum. Nowadays, many providers use a dental laser, which can cut tissue with minimal bleeding. Either way, the membrane is severed cleanly to free the lip. No stitches are generally needed. Most specialists report the procedure causes little or no pain to the baby – often baby is comforted by breastfeeding immediately after. No general anesthesia is required; sometimes a topical anesthetic or an injector (like a small numbing gel) may be used, or none at all. According to La Leche League experts, lip-tie release is well tolerated by infants.

Post-Procedure Care: After a lip-tie release, parents will need to assist healing. Typically, the provider will give instructions for gentle stretching exercises for a short period. This involves using a finger to gently move the lip and the cut edge to prevent the wound from re-bonding completely. (However, note that the AAP specifically advises against aggressive stretching exercises for tongue ties, as evidence for their necessity is mixed. For lip ties, follow your provider’s advice carefully.) The site may have a little scab that falls off in a few days; full healing occurs over 1–2 weeks. Many parents are surprised how quickly a baby adapts to feeding better after release – often nurses with deeper latch within hours.

Effectiveness: Research on lip-tie surgery is still evolving. Some older studies showed that releasing tongue ties (with or without lip ties) improved maternal nipple pain and infant latch in the short term. For lip ties specifically, evidence is limited. One small study of infants with both lip and tongue ties found dramatic improvement in feeding after release. However, a more recent retrospective study observed that most infants improved after only tongue-tie release and only a few needed a later lip tie release. The bottom line: if a lip tie is severe and causing clear problems, frenectomy can resolve them, but if it’s mild and asymptomatic, surgery is often unnecessary.

Risks and Aftercare: A frenectomy is very safe. The most common “complication” is pain (usually very mild) and the possibility of the frenulum reattaching partially (rare if follow-up exercises are done). Infections are extremely rare. Breastfeeding immediately after can soothe the baby and help form a good latch with the now-freed lip. It is normal for the baby to cry a bit during the brief procedure, but tears usually stop right away. If done by laser, there is typically no bleeding; with scissors there may be one or two drops of blood. Most infants resume normal feeding by the next feeding.

Lip Tie in Toddlers and Older Children

Lip ties do not always need to be corrected in the newborn period. Some mild ties that cause no trouble can be monitored. However, if a child enters toddlerhood and still has a substantial lip tie, dentists and pediatricians may reconsider treatment.

Possible issues later on include:

• Oral hygiene problems: A persistent lip tie can trap food and plaque under the lip. Brushing the upper front teeth may be awkward or uncomfortable. Over time this can increase risk of cavities between the front teeth.
• Diastema (gap): A prominent lip tie can maintain a gap between the two upper front teeth (incisors). This is usually not harmful, but if severe and of cosmetic concern, treatment is possible. Usually the gap closes naturally as the child grows and the frenulum recedes. If it persists into late childhood or adulthood, a simple dental surgery can eliminate the tissue.
• Speech/articulation: By toddler age, if speech sounds involving the lips (like “p,” “b,” “m”) seem delayed, evaluation is warranted. While tongue motion is more often the culprit for speech, a tight lip could theoretically interfere with certain sounds. In practice, speech delays more often have multiple causes. But addressing a lip tie early can help if it seems to contribute. A speech therapist can assess whether lip mobility is affecting speech.
• Feeding and habits: Some toddlers with untreated lip ties may continue to have mild difficulties with drinking from cups, long straw, or spitting. Others might form strange sucking or eating habits to compensate. An older child can also undergo a frenectomy, typically done in a dentist’s office under local anesthetic.

Parents often wonder if a lip tie will “grow out” on its own. In many children, the frenulum naturally becomes less tight as they age; it may migrate upward along the gum line. However, there’s no guarantee it will fully resolve. If a toddler is eating well, gaining weight, and has no dental concerns, the lip tie might be left alone. But if issues persist, it’s reasonable to treat before permanent teeth and speech patterns are set.

Lip Tie vs Normal Pictures: Caregivers sometimes search for “lip tie vs normal pictures” to see examples. In normal infants, the lip tissue blends smoothly into the gums and moves freely. In contrast, a true lip tie photo might show the upper lip pulled tightly toward the gums, or a deep “v” shape when the lip is lifted. Pictures can help identify a lip tie: you’ll see a distinct band from lip to gum, often with the gum tissue blanching upward. Many pediatric dental websites have example photos of before-and-after releases. (For parents who want a visual reference, images tagged “upper lip tie before and after” online often illustrate a significant change post-release.) Ultimately, diagnosis is best done by a professional exam, not by photo alone.

Frenectomy for Lip Tie

What is a Frenectomy? This is the technical term for surgically cutting a frenulum. In the context of a lip tie, a frenectomy severs the restrictive band under the upper lip. In practice, doctors often say “lip tie release” or “lip tie revision.” The goal is to allow the lip to move normally. A frenectomy is a very quick procedure – often minutes – and is generally done on an outpatient basis. It can be performed in an ENT clinic, pediatric dental office, or occasionally by a pediatrician with training in it.

Scissors vs Laser: Traditional frenectomies used sterile scissors (with or without tissue clamps). Many modern providers use soft-tissue lasers, which cut and cauterize simultaneously. According to the AAP and other experts, no evidence shows a laser is superior to scissors for infant frenotomies. Both methods are safe. The main difference is personal preference of the practitioner. Lasers may cause slightly less bleeding, but both methods have minimal blood loss. The baby’s comfort is similar with either. Some parents ask about anesthesia: most infants tolerate frenectomy with just breastfeeding or feeding after; general anesthesia is not needed.

Aftercare: Post-frenectomy, parents will be instructed to do simple stretching exercises a few times a day for a week or so. This means gently lifting or flanging the upper lip and touching the cut area to prevent reattachment. It’s common for the baby to cry briefly, but such exercises only take seconds. Swelling and mild soreness may occur for 1–2 days. Continue normal feeding – if possible, give the baby the breast immediately after (or bottle) to comfort them and reinforce a good latch. The site typically heals very quickly in infants.

What to Expect: Outcomes and Recovery

Most babies show rapid improvement in feeding within hours of a lip-tie release. Many mothers report immediately feeling deeper latch and less pain. Infants who were sleepy or fussy at the breast often nurse more calmly after. It is not unusual for a baby to gain weight better after release, if weight gain was an issue.

Breastfeeding improvement from frenotomy has been documented mainly in older studies of tongue-tie or combined tie releases. A comprehensive review suggests that surgical release can reduce nipple pain and sometimes helps infants nurse more effectively, though results vary. Importantly, improvement should be assessed: the AAP notes that post-procedure care should ensure symptoms have actually improved. If problems persist, further lactation support or evaluation might be needed.

Return to nursing is usually encouraged as soon as possible. Some babies latch better right away; others may need help from a lactation consultant to adjust to the new sensation. Breastfeeding (or bottle feeding) frequency usually remains the same; the difference is that feeds become more efficient.

Lip Tie: Problems Later in Life

If a lip tie is never treated, what might happen? In many cases, nothing serious – some children live with a mild lip tie and have no lasting issues. But potential problems include:

• Dental Health: A tight upper lip tie can trap plaque and food debris at the front teeth. Over time, this may raise the risk of cavities between the front teeth. Good oral hygiene is crucial. Some pediatric dentists recommend early removal if they see persistent decay or gum irritation under the lip.
• Tooth Position: A very short lip frenulum can exert pressure that helps keep the two front teeth apart, forming a diastema (gap). In many children, this gap closes naturally as more teeth come in. But in some, it remains. Orthodontists know that a prominent frenulum reaching the gum can contribute to a gap and sometimes gum recession later. If the gap is a concern for appearance or causes periodontal issues, a frenectomy (frenulum removal) can be done later (often when the permanent teeth are emerging) to allow the teeth to move together.
• Speech and Muscle Tone: As mentioned, lip mobility is needed for certain sounds and facial expressions. While tongue movement is usually more important for speech sounds, an extreme lip tie could subtly affect a child’s ability to pronounce “bilabial” sounds (“b”, “p”, “m”). Most children with untreated lip ties compensate easily, but if speech delay is noted, an evaluation is in order. Additionally, some therapists suggest that oral/facial muscle exercises can help overcome mild tethering over time if no surgery is done.
• Feeding Habits: A toddler or child with an untreated lip tie might continue to feed awkwardly – for example, tilting head or shifting to one side. Most children adapt and learn to eat and drink normally despite the limitation. By the time kids can articulate their issues, it’s often easier to just correct the tie.
• Psychosocial: In rare cases, an older child might become self-conscious if they have trouble saying certain sounds or if their front teeth gap is wide. Again, these are usually minor.

Pediatricians generally consider a lip tie a benign condition if the child is healthy, feeding well, and has no dental issues. However, we do not have data on all long-term outcomes, and practices vary. Some experts advocate early correction to avoid any of these issues, while others take a “watchful waiting” approach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What exactly is a lip tie?
A lip tie is when the tissue (frenulum) under the upper lip is unusually thick, tight, or attached far down on the gum, restricting the lip’s movement. It’s an anatomical variation, not a disease. If it doesn’t cause problems, it’s just a normal frenulum.

How can I tell if my baby has a lip tie?
Look at the baby’s upper lip. When lifted gently, a lip tie will keep the lip from lifting or flaring out normally. You might see the frenulum pulling the lip down toward the gums. Signs to watch for are difficulty latching during breastfeeding, nipple pain, clicking sounds, or feeding frustrations. A baby comfortable nursing, gaining weight, and latching well likely doesn’t have a problematic lip tie.

What does a lip tie look like?
It varies by severity. Mild ties are barely noticeable; severe ties show a thick white band of tissue from lip to gum. On images, a normal frenulum might be a thin, nearly transparent fold; a lip tie is thicker and lower. Some websites (e.g. lactation or dental sites) have photos comparing normal versus lip-tied frenula. You can imagine: if a baby’s lip won’t flip up and under, it may look “stuck.” (See our image above for a breastfeeding scenario – note the mother’s lip flanges over the baby’s lip.)

What is the difference between a lip tie and a tongue tie?
A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is a restriction of the tissue under the tongue. A lip tie is a restriction of tissue under the upper lip. They can occur separately or together. Tongue ties tend to cause more obvious feeding issues (and sometimes speech issues). Lip ties usually only matter if they’re very tight. Both are treated with similar procedures (frenectomy), but they affect different movements (tongue vs lip).

Will a lip tie go away on its own?
The frenulum often stretches and thins as a child grows. Many lip ties become less noticeable by late childhood. However, there’s no guarantee it will fully “resolve.” If the baby has feeding problems, doctors usually don’t wait, but if feeding is normal, families may choose to wait and see. Dental health and speech development are monitored over time.

Does getting a lip tie cut hurt the baby?
Most pediatricians and dentists say the pain is minimal. The baby may cry during the procedure (since infants often cry during any minor procedure), but it is very brief. Breastfeeding immediately after the clip often soothes them. Generally no anesthesia is used for simple frenectomies because of their quick nature and low pain.

Can a lip tie cause speech problems later?
Possibly, but it’s rare that a moderate lip tie alone causes significant speech delay. Extreme lip ties can hinder lip mobility needed for certain sounds. If a child has trouble with lip sounds (like “p, b, m”), especially if a tongue tie is not the issue, an evaluation is warranted. Speech therapists and pediatricians can assess this. Often, children adapt and compensate well.

What is a frenectomy and how does it help?
A frenectomy is the simple surgical release of the frenulum. For a lip tie, a doctor trims the restrictive tissue under the lip to free its movement. This allows better latching on the breast or bottle. It is a quick, outpatient procedure that usually resolves the lip tie completely. Healing is fast, and in most cases, the baby feeds better soon after.

Is laser treatment better than scissors?
No strong evidence favors laser over traditional cutting for infant frenotomies. Both methods achieve the same goal. Some providers prefer lasers for minimal bleeding, but either method works well. Most importantly is choosing an experienced provider, not the tool.

What about doing exercises on the wound after the release?
Many doctors recommend gentle stretches to keep the cut from reattaching. This typically involves placing a finger on the newly released frenulum and gently lifting the lip a few times a day for a short period. Follow your provider’s instructions. Note that the AAP guidelines advise against overly aggressive stretching for tongue ties. For lip ties, modest post-op care is usually advised, but don’t force the wound open repeatedly.

What are “lip tie problems later in life”?
Without treatment, a tight lip tie can make brushing upper front teeth tricky and trap food particles, possibly leading to early cavities. It may keep a space between the two front teeth. Speech articulation might be subtly affected. However, many children have mild lip ties with no issues. Dentists sometimes recommend correction of a bothersome lip tie when permanent teeth are coming in, especially if it’s blocking tooth movement.

Is a lip tie baby common?
True lip ties (that cause problems) are relatively uncommon. Estimates vary, but tongue ties occur in ~3-11% of infants, and isolated lip ties are even rarer. Because everyday baby pictures usually show some frenulum, it’s easy to confuse a normal frenulum with a tie. Only when the baby shows feeding trouble do doctors look closely for a tight lip tie.

What is “lip tied”?
“Lip tied” is parent slang meaning a baby has a lip tie. It just means the frenulum is so tight the lip is tethered. Babies don’t literally say this – it’s shorthand some pediatric dental sites use.

How does a lip tie differ from a normal frenulum?
See “Lip tie vs normal” above. Essentially, in a normal baby, the frenulum allows full upward lip motion. In a baby with a lip tie, you’ll see limited motion and a thick band. If in doubt, have a clinician demonstrate lifting the lip for you. They can show you what is considered normal mobility.

Conclusion

A lip tie in babies or toddlers can affect feeding, but many mild cases never cause harm. When a baby struggles to breastfeed despite proper latch technique, and symptoms like nipple pain or poor weight gain emerge, the labial frenulum should be examined. Early diagnosis by a knowledgeable pediatrician, dentist, or lactation consultant is key. If the lip tie is significantly restricting lip movement, a simple frenectomy (lip tie release) can often quickly resolve feeding issues.

It’s reassuring that frenectomy is safe and pain-free for babies. The AAP and other experts advise using surgery judiciously – only when clear functional impairment is present and other feeding support has been tried. In other words, don’t rush into cutting every tight frenulum. However, for babies who have real trouble latching or growing, identifying a lip tie and fixing it can be life-changing.

If you suspect your baby has a lip tie, work with your pediatrician and a board-certified lactation consultant. They can help you understand whether the frenulum is the issue and how to address it. Breastfeeding (and bottle-feeding) should not hurt, and babies should grow steadily. With the right diagnosis and care, a lip tie rarely causes lasting harm and can be easily treated.

Sources: Authoritative pediatric and medical publications and health resources were consulted for the information above.