Key takeaways: A baby who is actively feeding can’t bite, because the tongue covers the lower gums. Biting usually happens at the start or end of a feed, during teething, or when a baby is distracted or bored. Stay calm, unlatch, and end or pause the feed. Most babies stop biting quickly.
Teeth don’t have to mean the end of breastfeeding. Many babies breastfeed for months or years with teeth.
Why Babies Bite
- Teething: sore gums make babies want to bite.
- End of feed: when the baby is full and playing.
- Start of feed: before milk flows.
- Distraction: turning to look while still latched.
- Stuffy nose making latch hard.
- Shallow latch or a change in positioning.
During active feeding, the tongue extends over the lower gums and teeth, so biting can’t happen.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. If you want feeding help you can flip to in the middle of the night, my book walks you through feeding month by month, from the very first latch to the first birthday.
How to Respond
- Stay as calm as you can. A loud reaction might startle your baby and, for some, lead to a nursing strike.
- Break the latch by putting a finger in the corner of the mouth.
- Or pull your baby close briefly, which can make them open their mouth to breathe.
- Say calmly “No biting,” and end or pause the feed.
- Offer a teething toy if they want to chew.
Prevention Tips
- Watch for signs your baby is finishing, like slower sucking or tension in the jaw. Unlatch then.
- Offer something cold to chew before feeds if teething.
- Feed in a quiet place to limit distraction.
- Make sure the latch is deep.
- Give attention during feeds; some babies bite to get a reaction.
If Biting Causes Damage
Rinse the nipple with water and let it air dry. See an IBCLC or doctor if the wound doesn’t heal or shows signs of infection.
Talk to an IBCLC if: biting continues, you develop nipple damage, or your baby refuses the breast after a biting episode.
The Bottom Line
Biting is usually a short phase. Stay calm, unlatch, and watch for end-of-feed cues. Teeth don’t have to end breastfeeding.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Breastfeeding and teething. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
- La Leche League International. Biting. https://www.llli.org
- Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM. Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2022.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
