Signs Your Baby May Have a Tongue or Lip Tie
As parents, we spend countless hours watching, feeding, and comforting our babies. You know their cues and when something feels a little off. If feeding has felt harder than expected, you may have heard the terms tongue tie or lip tie and wondered if they could be part of the picture.
Our goal at Choose Joy is never to diagnose - but to educate, support, and gently guide you toward answers when something doesn’t feel right.
Let’s start by breaking down what tongue and lip ties are, in simple, easy-to-understand terms.
What Is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie happens when the thin piece of tissue under the tongue (called the frenulum) is tighter or shorter than usual. This can limit how freely the tongue moves.
Since the tongue plays a big role in feeding, swallowing, and later speech, restricted movement can sometimes lead to challenges - especially in the newborn stage.
What Is a Lip Tie?
A lip tie occurs when the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum is tight or thick, making it harder for your baby to flange (or curl) their lip outward during feeds.
This outward flanging is important for creating a good seal, whether your baby is feeding at the breast or with a bottle.
Common Signs Your Baby May Have a Tongue or Lip Tie
It’s important to note: these signs are common, but they do not automatically mean your baby has a tie. Babies are complex, feeding journeys look different for every family, and many challenges have more than one cause.
That said, here are a few signs that sometimes prompt families to seek further support:
1. A Heart-Shaped or Bowed Tongue
When your baby cries or sticks out their tongue, you may notice:
A dip or bowing at the front of the tongue
A tongue that looks heart-shaped
This can sometimes be a visible sign of restricted movement.
2. Difficulty Feeding or a Weak Suck
You may notice:
Trouble latching during breastfeeding
A clicking sound while feeding (at the breast or bottle)
Frequent slipping on and off the nipple
Feeding that feels exhausting for both you and your baby
If you’re unsure whether this applies to your baby but feeding feels harder than it should, support can make a big difference.
Our team’s IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is available for consultations. While she cannot officially diagnose a tongue or lip tie, she can:
Help assess feeding mechanics
Support breastfeeding or bottle-feeding challenges
Identify possible red flags
Refer you to the appropriate professional for diagnosis if needed
3. Little to No Weight Gain Despite Regular Feeding
If your baby is feeding often but:
Struggling to gain weight
Falling off their growth curve
Taking very long feeds with little transfer
It may be worth exploring whether something is interfering with effective feeding.
A Gentle Reminder
Seeing one (or even several) of these signs does not mean your baby definitely has a tongue or lip tie. It simply means your baby may benefit from a closer look and some extra support.
If you feel something isn’t right, trust that feeling. You know your baby better than anyone!
When to Seek Professional Support
If you suspect a tongue or lip tie due to:
Feeding challenges
Ongoing pain during breastfeeding
Poor weight gain
Or later concerns like speech development
A great place to start is with:
Your pediatrician, or
A pediatric dentist trained in oral restrictions
These professionals are able to properly evaluate and diagnose if a tie is present.
You’re Not Overreacting - You’re Advocating
Parenthood doesn’t come with a manual, and feeding challenges can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already navigating postpartum recovery.
Asking questions, seeking support, and trusting your instincts is not being “too much.” It’s being a loving, attentive parent.
At Choose Joy, we’re here to walk alongside you, offer guidance, and remind you that you don’t have to figure this out alone!
