Being bitten mid-feed by your teething baby can catch you off guard. Teething and breastfeeding often overlap in ways many parents do not expect, especially the first time it happens.
But not every baby bites while nursing during the teething phase. Some move through teething without any issues at the breast, while others may bite at some point. This is normal behavior.
As teeth begin to come in, your baby’s gums can feel sore and swollen. That discomfort creates a natural urge to chew or gnaw for relief.
So what can you do when your baby is teething and breastfeeding?
Unlatch, Pause the Feed, and Wait Before Relatching
Getting bitten during this stage is common, and it can really hurt. For some moms, the pain is sharp enough to bring tears, and the soreness can carry into the next few feeds.
If a bite happens and it feels like too much, try to unlatch your baby. You can slip a finger into the corner of their mouth to break the seal, then gently ease them off the breast. You can also move your baby away from you. Once you’ve separated, pause the feed. Set them down somewhere safe or hold them slightly away from your body for a minute or two before offering the breast again.
You can also gently tell them no while you do this. Keep your voice low and firm, like “no biting,” while you take them off. This gives your baby a simple cue that goes along with the action, so they can begin to connect the word with what happens next. When you feel ready, offer the breast again. If they bite a second time, follow the same steps.
That short pause often does most of the teaching. Babies start to pick up on cause and effect when everything happens close together. Biting leads to the feed stopping, and the feed stopping is not what they want.
Many parents use this approach, but every baby is different. Some babies catch on quickly, while others may need consistent responses over several feedings or even a few weeks. For some families, this approach may not work at all, and you may need to try other strategies.
Constant or continued biting/chomping may be a sign of an underlying problem like torticollis or a tongue tie. If that happens, it may be a good idea to check in with your lactation consultant or pediatrician to find a solution that works best for both you and your baby.
Read also: Why Proper Latching Matters for Breast and Bottle Feeding
Breastfeeding and teething often go hand in hand, along with many other important developmental milestones during your baby’s first years. If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist who understands the early stages of your child’s oral development, our team at Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry would love to meet your family.
We specialize in caring for children of all ages, from newborns to adolescents, and we are here to guide you through every stage of your child’s oral health journey. Request an appointment with our pediatric dentists in Lafayette, LA, today.