Biting
Breastfeeding is a special, nurturing experience that helps create a strong bond between you and your baby. But like any journey, it can also come with challenges. One of the more surprising issues some breastfeeding mothers face is biting. While most babies never bite the breast that feeds them, some do—and when it happens, it can be shocking and painful. Fortunately, biting is usually an isolated incident rather than an ongoing issue.1,2,3 In this guide, we’ll explore why babies may bite during breastfeeding, offer practical tips for managing it, and share strategies to prevent it from happening again.
Why Do Babies Bite?
- On Accident: Most babies bite simply by accident. They don’t mean to bite or hurt you and are often just as surprised and upset as you are that it happened.
- Teething: One of the most common reasons babies bite is teething. When babies’ teeth start to come in, their gums can become sore, and they might chew or bite to relieve the discomfort.
- Distraction: Sometimes, babies bite because they are distracted during a feeding. They might look around, get excited, or be distracted by noises or movement, and in that moment, they may bite down.
- Boredom: Biting often happens at the end of the feeding when the baby is no longer actively breastfeeding or receiving much milk.
- Attention: Occasionally, babies bite as a way to get your attention or to express frustration, especially if they are nearing the end of a feeding and no longer actively breastfeeding.
- First Cold: When babies have a stuffy nose, it can make latching and feeding more difficult. In an attempt to stay latched, babies might unintentionally use their teeth to hold on to the breast.
- Falling Asleep: Some babies bite as they relax their jaw muscles and drift off to sleep.
How to Handle Biting
While it’s normal to be surprised or hurt, reacting strongly can scare your baby and make the situation worse. Here are a few strategies for handling biting:1,2,3
- Try to Stay Calm and React Gently: When your baby bites, try not to yell or pull them away quickly. This can startle your baby and cause more injury to your nipple. Instead, let out a gentle but firm “no” and calmly remove them from your breast.
- Break the Latch: Most babies will unlatch immediately when they feel your response. If your baby doesn’t unlatch on their own, gently place your finger between their gums to break the latch.
- End the Feeding: Ending the breastfeeding session, even for a few minutes, can be an effective way to teach your baby that biting is not acceptable.
- Offer Something Else to Bite On: You can hand your baby a chilled teether or cold washcloth to bite on, instead of you.
- Set Clear Boundaries: As your baby gets older and begins to understand more, you can start teaching them about boundaries. When they bite, gently say ‘no,’ remove them from your breast, and offer something else to bite on. This helps them learn that biting leads to the end of the feeding.
Preventing Biting
- Ensure a Proper Latch: A proper latch is essential to preventing pain during breastfeeding, including biting. If your baby is latched properly, they’re less likely to bite.
- Feed in a Calm, Quiet Environment: Sometimes, babies bite when they’re distracted. Try breastfeeding in a quiet space where there are fewer distractions, especially if your baby is more likely to bite when there’s a lot going on around them.
- Pay Attention to Feeding Cues: If your baby is starting to nurse less actively and you sense that they might be about to bite, you can gently break the latch and end the feeding. It takes a little practice, but being aware of their feeding cues can help prevent bites.
- Take a Break: If your baby is distracted or losing interest, try switching sides or consider taking a brief break to give them a moment to refocus before continuing.
- Clear their Nose: If your baby has a cold or is a little stuffy, use saline spray and a bulb syringe to clear their nose prior to breastfeeding.
- Teething Relief: If you suspect teething, offer your baby a chilled teething ring or massage their gums prior to feeding to help them feel more comfortable. This can help soothe their gums and may reduce the urge to bite during a feeding.
What to Do if Biting Continues
Biting is usually a temporary phase, but if it continues or becomes more frequent, you may want to take the following steps:1,2,3
- Consider Timing: If your baby bites only at certain times of the day (for example, during the evening when they’re tired or fussy), try adjusting their feeding schedule or offering additional comfort before breastfeeding.
- Look for Other Signs of Teething: If the biting continues and you notice other signs of teething, such as drooling or your baby putting their hands in their mouth, it’s likely related to teething. Be extra patient during this time and offer teething relief to help soothe their gums and make them more comfortable.
- Seek Support: If you’re struggling with biting and need additional guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Lactation Consultant. They can offer personalized advice and help troubleshoot strategies to improve the situation.
- Weaning: In rare cases, biting may become persistent enough to consider weaning. If your nipple is injured from a bite, it may be too tender or painful to continue breastfeeding until it heals. If the biting persists, exclusively pumping may be an option. Your lactation consultant can guide you through creating a plan that works for you and your baby.
What If I Have Questions?
If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:
- Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
- Lactation Q & A
- Moms Circle
To register for these classes, log into your portal or click here.
Want More Info?
For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:
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