Can you put Chapstick on a baby is not an uncommon query for most parents.
While it’s prevalent for babies, especially newborns, to get dry skin and their lips to appear chapped, it can be pretty alarming and a top concern for most parents.
Noticing your little one having signs of chapped lips can make you go to any extent to remedy or cure the situation.
Therefore, it’s reasonable for you to consider Chapstick or lip balms since they work perfectly for you.
However, can Chapstick treat your baby’s chapped lips? Even better, is it safe to put Chapstick on a baby?
Keep reading to garner insightful information.
Can You Put Chapstick On A Baby?
As already outlined, it’s prevalent for an infant’s lips to appear more dry and red.
However, in most cases, it’s unlikely your baby is in pain or discomfort from the chapped lips.
Therefore, you shouldn’t be concerned if your little one appears to have chapped lips, isn’t showing any discomfort, and is feeding well.
Still, it would be best to monitor them for other symptoms and consult your pediatrician on the next visit, as it could be a sign of an underlying problem.
On the other hand, if your little one has chapped lips and seems uncomfortable, there are several gentle and home remedies to alleviate this condition.
Even so, Chapstick may not be an ideal solution since your little one might suck it off their lips or eat it.
So for the query, can you put Chapstick on a baby? It would be best if you didn’t use Chapstick on babies aged two years and below.
Considering your baby might lick off the Chapstick, and some of the ingredients used in the manufacture of such cosmetics, including fragrance, are harmful, you will realize it’s not safe to put Chapstick on a baby.
Also, some brands of lip balm contain menthol, which may cause your little one mouth to burn and cause irritation.
So in sum, it would be best if you didn’t use chapstick on your little ones’ lips.
Fortunately, there are several safe and healthy remedies to alleviate your baby’s chapped lips. But first, let’s take a look at what causes dry and red lips in newborns.
Causes of Chapped Lips On a Baby
Infants may have chapped lips for several reasons. They include:
1, Dehydration
Babies can become dehydrated on hot days and if they don’t consume adequate breast and formula milk.
For instance, it’s vital to feed your baby more frequently to avoid him becoming dehydrated on hot days and summers.
Also, be on the lookout for other signs of dehydration such as sunken eyes, fewer diapers than usual, crying with no tears, paleness, and wrinkled skin.
Dehydration is detrimental to your little one’s well-being and gets serious very fast. Therefore, call your doctor if you notice any signs of dehydration.
2. Skin Shedding
It’s typical for newborns to shed skin after birth as their skin adapts to life outside the womb.
The skin shedding occurs anywhere on the baby’s body, including the lips.
3. Licking The Lips
The skin on the lips is thin and delicate.
Considering babies have notable sucking instincts, it’s common for them to continue sucking or licking their lips between feedings.
As such, increased saliva on the lips adds moisture to the surface but only momentarily. The saliva will quickly evaporate, leaving your baby’s lips dryer than before.
4. Medications
Some medications might have side effects that cause the baby’s lips to appear chapped.
As such, it would be best to discuss the possible side effects of any medication with your pediatrician before administering drugs to your baby.
5. Weather Changes
Akin to adults, weather fluctuations such as increased heat, cold, and wind can result in your baby’s lips appearing dry.
Such weather changes draw moisture from exposed skin, such as lips leaving it dry and cracked.
Also read: Can Teething Cause Baby to Refuse Bottle
Treatment and Remedies of Chapped Lips For Babies
As stated, there are several remedies to treat your baby’s chapped lips.
It’s vital to avoid using Chapstick to moisturize your little one’s lips. Instead, try the following safe and effective methods:
- Apply some breast milk on the cracked lips to moisturize them. Breast milk contains antibodies that go a long way in keeping bacteria and viruses at bay. Even better, it contains nutrients and vitamins your baby’s lips will enjoy. Not to mention, you don’t have to worry about your baby ingesting breast milk.
- Apply lanolin on their lips. Lanolin, a fat derived from sheep’s wool, is used to treat cracked nipples. It’s also safe to rub on your baby’s lips to soothe and hydrate them.
- Apply natural oils and petroleum jelly. Natural oils such as coconut provide moisture to the lips, soften them and reduce dryness—also, petroleum jelly locks in moisture, especially when your baby is drooling. Still, use petroleum jelly in moderation and caution as it can cause adverse effects if your baby swallows it.
- Protect your baby from harsh weather.
- Use a humidifier to keep the air moist and prevent your baby’s skin and lips from drying out.
Summary
It’s typical for babies to have dry and red lips and should rarely be a cause of concern.
This post has answered a top query for many parents, can you put Chapstick on a baby.
Applying Chapstick, lip balm, and other cosmetics isn’t ideal for keeping your baby’s lips moist.
Instead, it would be best to try safe and practical remedies such as rubbing a dab of breastmilk.
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Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. She’s an active parent who enjoys indoor and outdoor adventures with her family. Her mission is to share practical and realistic parenting advice to help the parenting community becoming stronger.
