What To Do If Baby Bites During Nursing Then Laughs
If your baby bites during nursing and then laughs it can be pretty disheartening!
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultants gives her best advice on what to do if a dreaded “chomp” at the breast takes place (and then your baby giggles or laughs)…
“Some breastfed babies will bite while nursing and then smile or laugh and turn it in to a game. Walking out of sight after calmly saying "NO" lets the baby know that biting causes the breast to go away. Make sure you have a safe space to leave baby out of visual range."
-Danielle Spradlin, IBCLC at Oasis Lactation Services
Your baby is learning cause and effect by biting you and looking for your reaction.
Some find it funny. Not because they like seeing you hurt, but more along the lines of they’re making it into a new game. (like peek-a-boo or making silly faces)
If you give a big reaction it may scare them and discourage them from future feedings… others may laugh and do it again to continue the “game.”
Do your best not to react, or at least not over-react, and quietly and gently say something along the lines of “No biting” while stopping the feeding session.
Leave your baby in a safe space like a pack and play or their crib and quietly go out of visual range.
This will teach your baby cause and effect. If they bite you, this outcome will happen.
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Related Post: 7 Easy Ways To Stop Baby From Biting While Breastfeeding
