Baby’s Lip quivering is a phenomenon most parents are familiar with. You’re holding your precious little bundle of joy, and suddenly, their lips start trembling like a leaf in the wind. You panic, wondering what’s wrong with your baby. But fear not; this article will explain the mystery of newborns’ quivering lips.
A baby may tremble or shake his bottom lip when he is upset or cold. It’s a common reflex for newborns and isn’t usually a cause for concern. It’s a sign of a healthy nervous system!
Lip quivering will lessen as your child’s nervous system matures and he/she becomes accustomed to the outside world. But if your baby’s lip quiver persists, it’s always a good idea to check in with a doctor to be on the safe side.
Sometimes, the lip quivers can be a sign of a medical issue, such as an oral motor disorder. It is common for newborn babies to cover themselves when they are hungry, which causes quivering lips.
An immature nervous system causes mostly harmless reflexes, such as chin trembling, which will disappear in 3 or 4 months. The trembling of arms and legs in a newborn is normal when they cry, but it should stop within a month or two.
What Does it Mean if My Newborn’s Lip Is Quivering?
Worrying about your newborn’s behavior as a first-time parent is normal. Baby lip quivers are common but usually harmless. Quivering lips usually indicate your baby’s developing nervous system. Your child may have involuntary lip quivers due to uncoordinated facial muscles. This is common in the first weeks of life.
There are other causes of quivering lips too. You might notice your baby’s lip quiver when they cry. Shivering can cause your baby’s lips to quiver if they’re cold. In rare cases, a baby’s lips quivering can indicate an underdeveloped nervous system or neurological problems.
Monitor your baby’s health and development and discuss any strange symptoms or behaviors with your medical professional.
Possible Reasons Behind Newborn’s Lip Quivering
There are several reasons behind a baby’s lip quivering :
The startle reflex
Simply put, the startle reflex can be described as an “involuntary reaction newborns have.” You can easily observe the baby quiver upon hearing any loud noise. The baby’s muscles tense up, and his arms and legs jerk. This can cause their lower lips to quiver.
Hunger
Hunger is a learned response, and newborns learn to recognize the signs, such as a growling stomach, a rumbling sound, or crying.
Hypoglycemia (or low blood sugar levels)
It is a potential concern for newborns, especially those born with an underdeveloped immune system or prematurely with other health complications. If you notice your baby’s lip quivering frequently, even after feedings, this may be worth discussing with the child’s doctor to rule out any underlyingcomplication.
Seizures
Inthese cases, the baby’s jaw trembling would likely be accompanied by other symptoms such as jerking movements or loss of consciousness.
Another possibility is a condition called benign neonatal sleep myoclonus. It’s involuntary muscle movements or twitching during sleep. You don’t have to worry about this because it usually resolves on its own as the nervous system gradually develops.
Underdeveloped Nervous System
One of the most common causes of babies’ bottom lips quivering is the child’s nervous system struggling terribly because of developmental delay. It is a sign that their body is still adjusting to the new environment. As they grow, the quivering bottom lip will become less frequent and eventually stops.
Is Chin Quivering Normal?
Yes, chin quivering is normal in newborns. The lack of muscle control and an immature nervous system development cause it.
Baby’s lip quivers generally disappear after the first few weeks of life. It is not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms. Most newborns will quiver their chins from time to time, and this is an expected behavior.
It is normal for muscles to twitch and spasm involuntarily. Thus, you should not be surprised if your child’s chin quivers even when they are not crying.
In response to stress, their bodies release norepinephrine, which causes these jittery impulses. It is important to observe the baby for any other signs. If any other symptoms appear, contact a doctor for further evaluation.
When Should I Be Worried?
A quivering lip is normal for a baby and shouldn’t worry you. Most of the time, it’s merely a sign that your child is feeling some intense emotions like joy or anger. That can also occur when they are hungry or cold.
Nonetheless, there are a few instances in which trembling lips should raise red flags. There may be something more serious going on if your baby’s lips quiver in addition to other symptoms like fever, tiredness, or a change in appetite. To be sure nothing dangerous is going on, visit a pediatrician.
Lip tremors can occasionally be an indication of neurological issues. If other strange movements or behaviors accompany your baby’s trembling, you should discuss it with your doctor to rule out serious health problems.
There is usually little cause for concern if your infant’s lip trembling is isolated and not accompanied by other symptoms or anomalies. That is a regular aspect of their development and will likely diminish as they mature.
When Does Chin Quivering Go Away?
Chin quivering typically resolves on its own as the baby’s nervous system matures and they gain better control over their muscles.
For a lot of babies, the ‘chin quivering’ usually stops around 3 months of age. If you notice any other symptoms or if the chin quivering persists beyond 3 months of age, it’s always advisable to consult a pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical issues.
Signs and Symptoms of Lip Quivering
A newborn who exhibits lip quivering or lower jaw quivering can be identified by their behavior.
- Usually, babies who have a ‘lip quivering’ response struggle with a perfect latch, whether it’s the bottle or breast.
- They may also experience excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty calming down.
- The baby may also become more easily agitated, cry, or have difficulty breathing.
- A mild tremor that occurs mostly in the legs, chin, and lips.
The tremors or quivering last for a few seconds. A baby’s shivering occurs most often when the baby’s surroundings change in temperature or when the newborn is hungry or agitated.
How Can You Diagnose Lip Quivering in Newborns?
Diagnosing baby lip quivers usually involves a physical examination by a physician. They might also ask about the medical history of the infant, as well as whether or not you experienced any difficulties while pregnant or giving birth.
The physician may suggest certain diagnostic procedures to better understand how the brain works, including EEG, X-rays, and CT scans or MRI scans. Blood tests and cerebrospinal fluid tests are other options for determining whether or not there are any nutritional deficits.
The brain’s sonography (a type of imaging technology) can also be performed for understanding. With the help of a sonographic brain scan, doctors are able to view the brain’s image and use it for various diagnostic purposes (e.g. to diagnose aneurysms, tumors, etc). It can also help evaluate the impact of a trauma or injury to the brain.
What Are the Complications of Lip Quivering?
If the quivering of the newborn doesn’t stop after 3 months, this can cause underlying complex health issues. If this is the case, you should seek medical help immediately.
Medical professionals will examine the infant immediately and diagnose the problem. If no abnormalities are found in the infant, it is usually simply a matter of time before the baby’s tremors entirely cease; this is the situation in most cases.
The probability of additional difficulties is significantly enhanced if, on the other hand, the trembling is due to a pathological condition.
A newborn may develop perinatal encephalopathy, which causes abnormalities in the brain. In extreme circumstances, it can even result in hyperglycemia or brain bleeding.
How Do You Treat Lip Quivering in Newborns?
Baby lip quivers are common. It is usually harmless and does not require any treatment. However, if it doesn’t go away after a few days, it is best to consult a doctor, as it may indicate an underlying medical condition.
Additionally, if other signs of discomfort accompany the quivering, it is important to seek medical advice.
- By addressing body deficiencies:
Certain deficiencies in a baby’s body might sometimes lead medical professionals to conclude that these quivers are the result of those deficiencies.
In such a scenario, taking nutritional supplements to provide adequate levels of important components such as magnesium, calcium, glucose, and so on may be necessary.
They can be injected intravenously for a quicker reaction, which aids in rapidly creating chemicals within the cells that make up the nervous system. In a similar way, it facilitates oxygen absorption in their bodies.
- Advanced medical procedures:
Sometimes the newborn may exhibit internal pressure on the cranium at the time of birth. Moreover, this can result in severe seizures later on. In order to treat this condition, punctures have to be made in the spinal cord, and corticosteroids must be administered.
Further treatment options include pharmaceuticals designed to prevent convulsions and aimed at improving blood flow to the brain, and physical therapy is also advised.
When Does Lip Quivering in Newborns Go Away?
Lip quivering commonly starts within the first few weeks of life and lasts for a few months. When the infant’s nervous system matures and their motor skills improve, the trembling should stop.
However, if the trembling continues over three months of age or is accompanied by additional symptoms like trouble feeding, low weight gain, or unusual movements in other parts of the body, a visit to the pediatrician is recommended.
What If Lip Quivering Doesn’t Go Away?
A newborn’s lips may quiver at first, but this common occurrence typically subsides within a few weeks. If you are observing a persistent pattern in the ‘quivering lip,’ it may indicate an underlying chronic medical problem. But you cannot reach any conclusion without an expert medical professional.
In case lip trembling doesn’t disappear, you should make an appointment with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. This will enable them to assess your baby’s overall health and make any required recommendations for testing or treatment.
When it comes to your child’s health, it is always a good idea to be cautious, so if you are concerned about your newborn’s well-being, please do not hesitate to contact your pediatrician. In general, it is usually better to err on the side of caution.
Final Thoughts
A baby’s lip quivering is a perfectly normal phenomenon that can occur in the early days of life and persists for a few months. It is often due to their immature nervous system trying to coordinate their facial movements. While it may look alarming to new parents, rest assured that it is generally harmless and will usually go away on its own as the baby’s neurological development progresses.
But don’t let the baby’s lip quiver fool you. They are still full of surprises and will certainly keep you on your toes. Don’t be afraid of the quiver and all their other quirks.
Hopefully, this article cleared some of the most pressing concerns about lip quivering because, at the end of the day, it’s the tiny things that matter most.