Breastfeeding remains a beneficial choice for parent and child even after the emergence of teeth, but this transition introduces the challenge of biting. The sudden presence of sharp teeth can make nursing painful and stressful for the parent. Understanding why this happens and knowing how to respond and prevent it is key to comfortably continuing the nursing relationship. The following information provides practical, immediate solutions for managing this temporary phase.
Understanding Why Babies Bite While Nursing
The act of active breastfeeding makes biting physiologically difficult, if not impossible. When a baby is correctly latched and swallowing, their tongue naturally covers their lower gum line or bottom teeth. This tongue placement protects the nipple from the lower teeth, while the nipple is also positioned deep in the baby’s mouth, safely beyond the reach of the upper teeth.
Biting typically occurs when the baby is not actively sucking and swallowing milk. This means the moment of the bite often happens when the milk flow slows, the baby is becoming drowsy, or they are distracted and breaking the suction. Teething pain can also be a factor, causing the baby to clamp down for gum relief as they would with a teething toy. A bite is generally not an act of malice, but rather a reflex, a sign of frustration, or an experiment with a new sensation.
Immediate Response When Biting Occurs
When a bite is felt, the parent must react immediately and calmly to stop the pressure and prevent injury. A loud reaction like yelling can startle the baby and potentially cause a nursing strike. Pulling the baby away while they are clamped down is highly discouraged, as this action can cause severe damage to the nipple.
The safest and most effective immediate action is to quickly break the suction and release the bite. The parent should slide a clean finger into the corner of the baby’s mouth, between the gums, to gently but firmly break the vacuum seal. Once the seal is broken, the baby’s jaw will open, and the parent can remove the nipple safely. After the bite, the feeding session should be ended immediately to communicate clearly that biting stops the nursing.
Prevention Through Latch and Timing
Proactive strategies focusing on a deep latch and recognizing behavioral cues can significantly reduce the risk of a bite. A proper, deep latch ensures that the nipple is positioned far back in the baby’s mouth, minimizing contact with the teeth. Parents should encourage the baby to open their mouth wide before latching, ensuring the chin is touching the breast and the head is slightly tilted back.
The most common times for biting are at the beginning of a feed if the milk flow is slow, or at the end when the baby is full, distracted, or falling asleep. Parents should pay close attention to signs that the baby is winding down, such as a shift in the jaw movement or a change in the tongue position. If the baby begins to wriggle, look around, or lose focus, the parent should gently unlatch them before a bite can occur. Offering a cold teething toy for chewing before the feeding can also help satisfy the baby’s need for gum pressure relief.