What to do when the baby bites while breastfeeding 2026

If you have been a mother on more than one occasion, and you breastfed both of your children, it is very likely that you have already discovered that not all babies bite during breastfeeding, but those who do usually have teething. And, it is true, it can be something enormously painful, even when for the little one it can become a funny game.

Luckily, there are some simple tips and tricks that can be very helpful in preventing your baby from biting every time he or she feeds at the breast.

Amazon Essentials by Sofia Grainge - Summer 2026 Promotion

When the baby bites during breastfeeding

Possibly it has already happened to you on more than one occasion. You are breastfeeding your baby, peacefully as before, when suddenly he bites your nipple. You may get scared, and then scream out of pain, at which point the little one will probably look at you surprised, and then he may end up smiling (or not).

Of course, once the pain has disappeared, it is common for you to ask yourself the following question: How to make sure it never happens again?

It is necessary to keep in mind that not all babies bite when they are breastfeeding, but right from the first moment it happens, it is common for it to become a great concern for many breastfeeding mothers. It is even normal for this concern to appear much earlier, even before the first teeth begin to appear.

But, even if it is painful, you don't have to worry: if the baby bites it doesn't have to mean the end of breastfeeding days. On the contrary, if you know how to treat it properly, it will become nothing more than a painful - and funny, over time - anecdote. But let's go in parts.

Is it necessary to wean the baby when it starts to have teeth?

Many people mistakenly believe that from the moment a baby has teeth and has the ability to bite, it is time to end breastfeeding and wean. But, far from what you might think at first, it is not true at all.

If your baby is breastfeeding properly, and in the right way, you won't have to feel your teeth, even if your baby's mouth is full. And something for your added peace of mind: it is physically impossible for the baby to bite and breastfeed the baby at the same time. That is, either it does one thing, or it does the other. Because? Very simple: the tongue covers the lower teeth/gums when the baby feeds.

In this sense, it is true, some babies never bite, but biting becomes a behavior that most babies attempt, generally when they are in the teething process. However, it is necessary to have some peace of mind, since the bites can be stopped with a little persistence and some perseverance.

Why can a baby bite while breastfeeding?

To breastfeed properly, the baby needs a deep grip and closure, making breastfeeding as comfortable as possible for the mother. When the latch is deep, the baby simply will not be able to bite.

The problem is that teething babies have sore gums, so they may end up adjusting their latch, often towards the end of the feeding, when they are no longer hungry. Therefore, as soon as you change the position of your mouth, you may end up biting.

How to prevent the baby from biting while breastfeeding?

To prevent the baby from biting, a useful option is to provide the little one with a breastfeeding teething toy. Or, rub the gums to relieve any discomfort, and then monitor him closely while he is attached to the chest. This is especially appropriate when the bite begins at the beginning of a nursing session. Likewise, it is necessary to check if the little one is opening his mouth wide to latch on properly.

As we have indicated, it is common for most bites to occur at the end of the breastfeeding session, when the little one is not hungry, and ends up getting bored. If this is the case, and it also tends to occur regularly, it is advisable to observe if there are signs of boredom. If you notice this, a helpful option is to remove the breast before he starts biting.

It is very useful to observe the tension of the baby's jaw before he begins to bite, and to be especially aware if he withdraws the tongue from its normal position on the gum/lower teeth.

However, if the baby is distracted, it is simply not appropriate to force breastfeeding. Maybe he is not hungry, or at that time he is not interested in breastfeeding. You can choose to rest with him in a quiet room, walk or swing.

What to do if the baby bites?

Generally, stopping the nursing session can be the most effective way to teach the little one that breastfeeding and biting do not go together. Once the baby has finished biting, remove him from the breast for a moment; It could be a few seconds, or a few minutes. Everything will depend on the reaction that the little one has. So, if he already has teeth, this is an ideal time to give him something cold to chew, or a toy specially designed for teething.

If the baby gets angry and starts crying, it is a sign that he wants to continue eating. If so, you can wait a few moments and then offer the breast again.

Of course, when the baby bites it is not highly recommended to scream, not only because of the pain (although sometimes it is impossible to avoid it), but also to scream as a method to stop the baby from biting. On the contrary, there are better ways to teach him not to bite, since the baby could take it as a game, and continue doing it, or he could get scared and go on a breastfeeding strike.

If the baby bites and does not let go of the nipple, you can choose to quickly place your finger between the baby's gums, so that it can be removed without further ado. On the other hand, some experts recommend gently pinching the baby's nose for a second, so that it reacts, opens its mouth and releases the nipple.