9 Tips To Stop Your Baby Biting While Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding experience between a mother and her baby. However, when your little one starts to bite during feeding, it can be surprising and even painful. Babies bite for various reasons, and addressing this behaviour is crucial to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable breastfeeding journey for both mom and baby.

Reasons Why Babies Bite While Breastfeeding

1. Teething: The discomfort of teething can cause babies to bite while nursing as they explore new sensations with their gums.
2. Distracted Feeding: As babies become more aware of their surroundings, they might get easily distracted while nursing, leading them to bite.
3. Adjusting Milk Flow: Sometimes, babies bite to control the milk flow, especially if the flow is too fast or too slow for them.
4. End of Feeding: Towards the end of a feeding session, babies might bite as they start to lose interest or become full.

Tips To Stop Your Baby From Biting While Breastfeeding

1. Recognise Early Warning Signs

Pay attention to your baby’s cues. When your baby’s sucking pattern changes or they start to unlatch slightly, they might be preparing to bite. Being aware can help you intervene before biting occurs.

2. React Calmly

If your baby does bite, try not to react with a sudden jerk or yelp, as this might startle your baby. Gently and calmly detach them from the breast using your finger to break the suction.

3. Teach Through Reinforcement

Communicate with your baby. Use a soft, firm voice to say “No” and emphasise that biting hurts. Reinforce positive behaviour by praising them when they nurse without biting.

4. Address Teething Discomfort

Offer a teething toy or a chilled washcloth before nursing to alleviate sore gums. This may reduce the urge to bite while feeding.

5. Ensure Proper Latching

Ensure your baby is properly latched onto the breast. A good latch reduces the likelihood of biting and helps maintain a comfortable feeding experience.

6. Stay Consistent

Consistency is key in teaching babies not to bite. Be patient and continue reinforcing the message whenever they attempt to bite.

7. Change Feeding Environment

Minimise distractions while feeding by choosing a quiet, calm environment. This can help your baby focus on feeding without being tempted to bite due to distractions.

8. Offer a Break

If your baby continues to bite during a feeding session, take a short break. This pause can signal that biting results in the end of feeding, helping them understand the consequence of their actions.

9. Seek Support

Don’t hesitate to seek advice from a lactation consultant or a healthcare professional if biting persists or becomes a significant issue. They can provide personalised guidance and support.

Babies biting while breastfeeding can be a challenging phase, but it’s usually temporary and manageable with patience and consistent guidance. Understanding why they bite and employing strategies to address this behaviour can help create a more comfortable and enjoyable breastfeeding experience for both mother and child. Remember, every baby is unique, so be flexible in trying different approaches until you find what works best for you and your little one.