Have you ever wondered why your baby’s lower lip quivers? It’s a common concern among parents, and understanding its causes can bring peace of mind.
Join me as I unravel the mystery and shed light on this intriguing behavior.
Without further ado, let’s begin!
What Causes A Baby’s Lower Lip Quivers?
Normal developmental stages, an immature nervous system, low blood sugar level, underdeveloped nervous system, dehydration, and emotional factors influencing their delicate expressions can cause a baby’s lower lip to quiver.
To provide appropriate support at the right time, parents must understand the underlying causes of the issue.
Normal Developmental Stage
The first reason for a baby bottom lip quiver is actually a normal part of their development stages in newborns and young babies.
In fact, sometimes, when babies learn, grow, and change, their lower lip can shake a little, and that’s completely normal.
Their bodies manifest lots of new things every day. It’s a sign that their body is getting stronger and ready for new adventures.
Quivering signals that the baby’s nervous system is still developing. It is just the newborn reflexes. As the baby’s nervous system matures, the quivering will go away in a matter of time.
Immature Nervous System
Why do newborns lips quiver?
Babies with an immature nervous system might sometimes have muscle cramps or jerks, leading to their bottom lip trembling.
In a detailed manner, the nervous system is responsible for sending signals throughout the body. It helps everything work properly and controls how the baby’s body moves and feels.
Their underdeveloped nervous system sometimes leads to involuntary muscle movements or myoclonus, such as lip trembling.
So, suppose you see a bottom lip quiver baby. This is usually harmless in that case and will go away as the baby’s nervous system matures.
Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar can contribute to a newborn bottom lip quivering. Here is why:
When a baby’s blood sugar, which provides energy for the body, drops too low, the brain doesn’t receive enough glucose to function properly.
It makes the body release stress chemicals and tells it to save energy. As a result, babies can become irritable and lethargic.
This low-energy state is the trigger of the lip muscles in newborn lips shaking.
Therefore, if your child exhibits more additional symptoms, like fussiness or tiredness, it’s a clear sign that they need something to eat or drink.
Offering them nourishing food or a refreshing drink like breast milk is exactly what they require.
Taking care of their tiny bodies and ensuring sufficient energy keeps them happy and strong.
Dehydration
When a baby’s body doesn’t have enough water, dehydration is to be expected.
This explains why infant lip quiver.
Hence, parents must ensure that the baby stays hydrated by giving them enough fluids, like breast milk or water, especially during hot weather or when sick.
You can give them the right amount depending on your baby’s development stage. When babies are about 6 months of age, they can start drinking water.
They only need approximately 4 to 8 ounces of water each day until they turn one because they also get liquids from breast milk or formula.
Keeping the baby hydrated can help prevent their lower lip from quivering and ensure their overall well-being.
Emotional Factors
Why do babies lips quiver? Sometimes, the answer lies in their emotions. It can happen when they feel sad, scared, or upset. These feelings can make their little lips shake.
When this is the case, I usually comfort my dearest and give her more cuddling and reassurance to calm her down.
Showing your child that you are there for them and giving them hugs can help them feel better and stop the phenomenon.
What To Do When A Newborn Bottom Lip Quivering?
Stay Calm & Observe
When you notice your newborn’s bottom lip quivering, the first thing to do is to stay calm. Take a deep breath and carefully observe your child.
Sometimes, lip quivering is normal and nothing to worry about. By keeping yourself at the comfortable stage, you can provide a sense of security and reassurance for your little one.
Just watch your baby to see if they are also crying, fussing, or making other movements.
Keep Your Baby Warm
If your baby is cold, their bottom lip might quiver. One way to help is by ensuring you provide them a warm environment.
Make sure babies are dressed appropriately for the current temperature.
You can use soft blankets like Sherpa blankets or clothing to help keep them cozy and comfy.
Swaddle Your Baby
Swaddling can be a helpful technique. You will wrap your little one in a blanket. Try to keep it as snugly as possible to mimic the feeling when in the womb.
Doing so can provide a sense of security and comfort, helping to calm your baby and reduce jitters. Don’t forget to follow safe swaddling practices to ensure your baby’s safety.
Feed Your Baby
Try offering your little one some milk, whether it’s breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Hunger can often be the cause of lip quivering in newborns.
To avoid the situation in the future, you must know when your newborn is eating enough.
When you ensure your baby is well-fed, you can address their needs and provide nourishment, which may help alleviate the quivering.
In some cases, babies are hungry even when they fall asleep when breastfeeding. So don’t stop feeding then.
Massage Your Child
Gently massaging your newborn can be another approach of physical therapy to address lip quivering.
It can help relax your baby’s muscles, promoting a sense of calmness and reducing quivering. Here are some of my tips for doing it:
- Use gentle and rhythmic strokes: Use soft and gentle strokes with your fingertips or palms. Maintain a slow and rhythmic pace to help your baby feel at ease.
- Start with the head: Begin the massage by gently stroking your baby’s forehead, temples, and cheeks.
- Move to the body: Gradually move down to the neck, shoulders, arms, and back. Beware of your baby’s comfort and response.
- Focus on the legs and feet: Give attention to your baby’s legs and feet using light strokes and gentle kneading motions. These areas often hold tension and can benefit from a soothing massage.
- Don’t forget the tummy: You can incorporate gentle clockwise circular motions on your baby’s tummy if your baby is comfortable. This can aid in digestion and relaxation.
- Maintain eye contact and gentle communication: Throughout the massage, maintain eye contact and softly talk or sing to your baby. Your soothing voice and connection can enhance the bonding experience.
During the process, please use gentle pressure and watch for your baby’s cues to ensure they enjoy the massage. Their bodies are still in the development stage, which is pretty fragile.
Create A Calm Environment
Creating a calm and soothing environment is important too. Dim the lights, reduce noise, and speak softly to create a peaceful atmosphere.
A quiet environment can help your baby relax, feel secure, and minimize lip quivering.
Talk To Your Doctor
If you have any concerns or if the lip quivering persists, it’s always a good idea to contact your doctor.
Your doctor can assess the situation and may refer you to a neurological expert for further evaluation if necessary.
They can provide professional guidance and advice tailored to your baby’s situation. It is always better to seek their expertise and address any questions or concerns.
They may perform tests like blood tests, fluid tests, or a physical examination to check for any medical conditions, such as pregnancy complications (like birth defects).
Based on the results, they can then recommend appropriate treatment options.
Conclusion
There are many common reasons when a baby’s lower lip quivers. These can include normal reflexes, changes in emotion, dehydration, or low blood sugar.
Most of these quivering episodes are normal behaviors and nothing to be alarmed or frightened about.
However, if the quivering persists despite creating a safe environment and taking good care of your child, it’s always a good idea to seek medical attention from a healthcare professional.