Newborn Lip Blisters: What They Mean and When to Get Feeding Support

Have you ever Googled,  “What are newborn lip blisters?” 

Lip blisters in newborns are very common. Often, they’re just a sign of an eager little nurser learning how to latch and feed. Your baby’s lips are simply adjusting to the suction and friction that come with nursing or bottle-feeding. Sometimes, a small blister shows up as part of that learning process.

So if you were gazing at your precious newborn, soaking in every moment… and then noticed a blister on their lip…

Don’t panic. Truly. 

Here’s the thing: sometimes, lip blisters can signal an underlying feeding or latch issue that deserves attention. But other times, they are normal and easy to deal with. If your baby is feeding well, gaining weight normally, and the blister doesn’t seem to bother them, it’s usually nothing to worry about.

So let’s talk about what causes them, and when it’s time to reach out for support. 

What Are the Normal Causes of Newborn Lip Blisters?

Most of the time, lip blisters (sometimes called “nursing blisters” or “suck blisters”) are completely benign.

They happen because of the simple friction from frequent or prolonged nursing sessions. Your baby’s lips are working hard (creating suction, staying latched) and the skin is naturally adjusting. A small blister can form as the tissue toughens up and adapts to this new job.

Think of it like a tiny callus forming on your hands. It’s your body responding to repeated pressure or friction. And in most cases, it heals on its own as your baby’s feeding skills mature.

Bottle-Fed Babies

Bottle-fed babies can develop lip blisters too. This can happen if the nipple flow is too fast or too slow, causing your baby to suck harder to control the milk. Strong suction on a bottle nipple can create the same friction that leads to blistering.

When to Pay Closer Attention

If you’re seeing blisters that don’t heal, keep coming back, or seem to make your baby uncomfortable, it may be a sign to look a little closer.

Persistent blisters can sometimes indicate that your baby has a shallow latch. They might be working harder than they need to in order to get milk, which creates extra friction and pressure on their lips.

This can happen if there’s:

• A possible tongue tie or lip tie (oral restrictions that may limit movement)
• Positioning challenges that prevent a deep latch
• Tension in baby’s jaw, neck, or body

When babies can’t latch deeply, they often use their lips and cheeks to create suction instead of using their tongue effectively. And that can lead to persistent blisters.

Signs It’s Time to Seek Support

Check in with your pediatrician and consider reaching out to a lactation consultant if you notice:

Blister Issues:

• Clustered blisters rather than a single bump
• Blisters that ooze, break open, or crust over
• Blisters that don’t improve over a couple of weeks, or keep coming back
• Any signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus)

If you notice anything that looks like infection, or the blister just doesn’t seem right to you, contact your pediatrician promptly.

Feeding Issues:

• Painful nipples or cracked skin for you
• Clicking sounds during feeding 
• Milk leaking from baby’s mouth while feeding
• Your baby is “battling the breast”—seeming frustrated, sleepy, or fussy
• Your baby is nursing constantly but not seeming full

Who to Contact

If any of the above sounds familiar, reach out to:

• A lactation consultant (IBCLC) for a latch assessment and personalized feeding support
• A doula or postpartum specialist who can help guide you toward trusted feeding experts
• Your pediatrician if there’s concern about your baby’s growth, persistent blisters, or signs of infection—especially if you’re unsure whether your baby is transferring milk well or gaining weight as expected.

Here’s what’s important to remember: early help makes feeding easier, more comfortable, and so much more enjoyable for both you and your baby.

Tips for Creating a Better Latch (and Preventing Lip Blisters)

Whether you’re troubleshooting a persistent blister or just want to feel more confident in your latch, these simple adjustments can make a big difference.

1. Position Baby Close and Belly-to-Belly

Make sure your baby’s head, neck, and spine are aligned so they can latch deeply and comfortably. Their whole body should be facing you—not twisted or angled.

2. Aim for a Wide-Open Mouth

Wait for your baby’s mouth to open wide—like a big newborn yawn—before bringing them to the breast.

3. Check Baby’s Lip Position

The lower lip should be flanged outward, like a fish’s lip. If it’s tucked in, gently flip it out with your finger. This small adjustment can reduce friction significantly.

4. Try Different Nursing Positions

Sometimes a different angle is all it takes. Experiment with the football hold, laid-back nursing, or side-lying positions to see what helps your baby latch more effectively.

5. Take Care of Your Nipples

Keep them moisturized (breast milk works great for this) and give them air time between feeds. If you’re in pain, that’s your body giving you important feedback.

6. If Bottle-Feeding, Use the Right Nipple Flow

Using a nipple flow that matches your baby’s feeding pace—often a slower-flow nipple for newborns—can help them control suction and minimize friction.

7. Get Hands-On Support

A doula or lactation consultant can observe a feeding session in real time and give you personalized guidance. Sometimes all it takes is one small tweak to transform your feeding experience.

You and Your Baby Are Learning Together

Every feeding journey comes with a few bumps…

And yes sometimes, a few blisters.

But with the right support and a little patience, you and your baby will find your rhythm. Those tiny lips will heal beautifully. And feeding will start to feel like the connected, nourishing experience it’s meant to be.

You’re doing an amazing job. And if you need help along the way? That’s not a sign of failure.

It’s wisdom, plain and simple. 

If you’d like help troubleshooting feeding or latch concerns, our doulas can connect you with trusted, expert breastfeeding support. 

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Also check out: Why Is My Newborn So Gassy? 10 Expert Doula Tips