If Baby Bites While Nursing

(U.S. Breastfeeding Committee)

If your baby bites you while nursing, know that this is a common and usually short-lived situation. Babies sometimes bite when their teeth are coming in because their gums are sore or because they are “trying out” their new teeth. They don’t mean to hurt you! Here are some ideas for discouraging this annoying and painful habit:

• Say “Ouch!” out loud. Let your baby know that his or her biting hurts you.
• Take baby off the breast by using a clean finger in the corner of his or her mouth to break the suction. You can end the nursing session or simply wait several minutes before resuming breastfeeding.
• Pull your baby in close to your breast. Your baby will naturally come off the breast to breathe.
• Offer an alternative such as a cold teething ring.

Hang in there! This too shall pass!

Reference: Bites Breast

Written by Gina Peterson

What ideas have you tried to discourage biting while breastfeeding? Please comment below! Thanks!