Reviewed by The Mom Store editorial team, October 2026. See our editorial policy.
Babies rarely bite while they are actually feeding, because when a baby is latched on and sucking properly, their tongue covers the lower gum and teeth. Biting usually happens at the start of a feed, at the end, or once your baby has stopped feeding and is playing, distracted or falling asleep. That is useful to know, because it means most biting can be stopped by watching for those moments. It does not mean you have to stop breastfeeding once teeth arrive.
Why babies bite
The NCT guide to why babies may bite and how to stop it lists the common reasons:
- Teething. Sore gums make babies want to chew on things, including you.
- The feed is over. A full baby may get playful, or clamp down as they drift off to sleep.
- Distraction. Older babies stop sucking to look around and may bite as they turn their head.
- Milk flow. Some babies bite in frustration when the flow slows, or to slow down a very fast flow.
- A blocked nose. A baby with a cold may struggle to breathe while latched and clamp down.
What to do when it happens
It hurts, and it is natural to cry out. Try to keep your reaction small, though. The NCT and the American Academy of Pediatrics guide on breastfeeding after your baby gets teeth both say a big reaction, whether anger or laughter, can make some babies do it again or put others off the breast.
- Slip a finger into the corner of your baby's mouth to break the suction rather than pulling them off.
- Say "no" calmly and firmly.
- Take your baby off the breast and end the feed for now. You can offer again a little later.
- Praise them, and keep feeding calm, on the feeds where they do not bite.
Preventing the next bite
- Watch for the end of the feed. The AAP suggests keeping a finger ready and taking your baby off as soon as the steady rhythm of sucking stops.
- Feed somewhere quiet if your baby is easily distracted, especially as they get older.
- Help a slow flow with breast compressions, or switch sides when your baby gets frustrated near the end of a feed, as the NCT suggests.
- Offer something to chew before a feed. The NCT suggests a teether, or an ice cube wrapped in a flannel, before a feed. The AAP mentions a one piece teething ring; if you are choosing one, our teethers range is a place to start.
- Get the latch checked. A lactation consultant or breastfeeding counsellor can watch a feed and help with positioning, which the NCT says matters most in the first four months and again when teeth come through.
Teething relief that is safe
The NHS tips for helping your teething baby say some teething rings can be chilled in the fridge, but never put one in the freezer, as it could damage your baby's gums, and never tie one around your baby's neck. There is little evidence that teething gels work, and the NCT notes they can numb the mouth and throat, which may affect the latch. Homeopathic teething products are not recommended. If your baby is in pain, ask your doctor or pharmacist before giving any medicine.
Looking after your nipples
Most bites do not break the skin. If yours is sore or cracked, the NHS advice on sore nipples is to keep breastfeeding or express by hand, dab a little breast milk on the nipple after feeds, change breast pads at every feed, and wear a well fitting bra without underwire. It also suggests avoiding nipple shields where possible, as they can affect attachment.
When to get help
See your doctor or midwife if your nipple is cracked or bleeding, because that raises the risk of infection, or if the pain carries on even though your baby seems well attached. If biting is making you want to stop breastfeeding, a lactation consultant can help, and so can talking it through with your doctor. How you feed your baby is your choice, and you do not have to keep going through pain without support.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your doctor.
