Lactation consultants share their best tips to stop baby from biting while nursing…

OUCH! A bite from your nursing baby can be quite an unpleasant surprise (to say the least!)

It can happen when you least expect it…

• your newborn may bite while nursing before they even have teeth (whaaat?!)

• your toddler might bite while nursing and then laugh (NOT funny!)

• And, worse-case-scenario, your baby may bite while nursing and draw BLOOD. (gasp!)

But fear not mama, there are actions you can take to minimize the chances of all this EVER happening again.  

Lactation consultants share actionable advice on how to respond after a dreaded “chomp at the breast" takes place...

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If a baby with no teeth bites - Adjust the latch

"For a newborn, I would suggest an adjust in latch if it feels like biting during a feeding. Laid back positions may help the newborn open up wider for nursing.  Sometimes, in the newborn stage, biting may be a sign of a tongue tie or other oral restriction that prevents the baby from opening up wide. “

-Lisa Paladino CNM, IBCLC at Lisa Paladino IBCLC

Remember back to the early days of breastfeeding and the work you did to get into a healthy routine?  Some of it was innate (like your baby’s suckling reflexes) but gradually those instincts disappear and learned behaviors take their place. 

Biting episodes can be a new example of a learned behavior.  Luckily, if it is, you can change this behavior with the laid back position described above.  Adjusting the latch and opening up your baby’s mouth for a better latch will provide your baby with natural reinforcement without biting.  Once the biting behavior has been extinguished, you can get back to your go-to position for breastfeeding. 

if an older baby bites - don’t let them see your reaction

“Don't let them see your reaction because, depending on the stage, this might encourage them more. “

-Lisa Paladino CNM, IBCLC at Lisa Paladino IBCLC

Everything is new for baby.  When they bite you during feeding (intentional or not) and they see a reaction, they are learning cause and effect. 

They’ll not fully understand the complete range of human emotions and may find your reaction funny. 

Now, I get it though; when you get bitten during a feeding it hurts!  And sometimes you can’t help but react, but you don’t want this to turn into a game for baby.  Try not to react and address the behavior as physical (teething) or behavioral (attention seeking).

get a teething necklace for distraction

"I suggest buying a teething necklace as this sometimes distracts baby from biting and then you can give that to them when they are done breastfeeding as well."

-Briana Violand, IBCLC at Northcoast Lactation & Sleep Services LLC

Your baby might be biting because they’re teething.  It’s your job to teach them that the breast is for milk and teething necklaces are for biting.  If your newborn bites during a feeding do your best not to react, stop feeding, and put the teething necklace on their lips . 

Next, do your best to read your baby’s cues - if they engage with the teething or if they fuss because they want to continue feeding - and respond accordingly.  T

Put the baby down and say NO

“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 they think of it more like a new game. 

A big reaction from you might scare some babies and may discourage them from future feedings and some babies may laugh and do it again to continue the “game”. 

Do your best not to react, or at least not to 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 is also your baby learning cause and effect, only this is your desired outcome.

Vigilance is key

"Some older babies get a playful gleam in their eye when they're thinking about biting. Vigilance is the key. You should be watchful and ready to take action if you see the gleam.”

-Beverley Rae, IBCLC at Breastfeeding Resources

Breastfeeding doesn’t take place on a schedule.

Early morning/late night feedings can be the perfect time to zone out and let your baby do what they do best. 

But if you’re experiencing frequent biting be ready to always keep one eye on your little one! 

Look for cues that repeat before your baby bites.  It might be that “playful gleam” or a change in sucking pattern or intensity. 

If you can predict the bite before it happens, that allows you to try other techniques like introducing a teething necklace or at least being ready for a bite helps with controlling your reaction.  Then you can return to successfully breastfeeding your baby!

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