Is Baby Biting While Breastfeeding? Causes & Nipple-Saving Tips

You’re finally getting the hang of nursing, and then—chomp. That sharp, unexpected bite makes you wince. If your baby is biting while breastfeeding, first, take a breath: you’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. This is a super common (and incredibly frustrating) part of the breastfeeding journey, especially as your baby grows and starts teething. Let’s walk through why it happens, what you can do about it, and how to keep your nipples safe in the process.

Why Is Baby Biting?

Babies bite for all kinds of reasons—and most of them aren’t about trying to hurt you. Here are the most common causes:

• Teething: When gums are sore, biting can feel good. Some babies experiment with their new teeth, especially when they’re not actively sucking.
• Distraction: Older babies are curious. If something grabs their attention mid-feed, they might stop nursing and clamp down instead.
• Slow or Fast Milk Flow: If your milk lets down slowly (or too fast), your baby might bite out of frustration or surprise.
• End of the Feed: When your baby is full or bored, they might switch from feeding to playing—with their teeth.
• Shallow Latch: A deep latch keeps your nipple farther back in the mouth, where the tongue covers the lower gums or teeth. If the latch is too shallow, it’s easier for a bite to happen.
• Blocked Nose: If your baby is congested, they may bite as they struggle to breathe comfortably while nursing.
• Low Supply or Overactive Letdown: Biting can be a reaction to too little or too much milk.
• Tongue-Tie or Tongue Thrust: These conditions can affect latch and lead to biting.

What Baby Is Trying to Tell You When They Bite

Think of biting as a message, not just a behavior. Your baby might be trying to say:

• “My mouth hurts.”
• “I’m overwhelmed or distracted.”
• “I’m done eating.”
• “Something feels off.”

That bite can be your cue to pause, reassess, and adjust. Watching for early warning signs like shifting jaw tension, pausing mid-feed, or looking around can help you head off a bite before it happens.

What To Do in the Moment

If your baby bites:

1. Stay calm. Easier said than done, but big reactions can scare or confuse your baby.
2. Break the latch gently. Slide a clean finger into the corner of their mouth to release suction.
3. Say a firm “No biting.” Use a calm, steady voice. It sets a boundary without shaming.
4. Take a short break. If needed, pause the feed to give both of you a moment.

If Your Baby Clenches and Won’t Let Go

• Gently insert a finger between their gums.
• Briefly close their nose to encourage them to release the latch.

Nipple-Saving Tips That Actually Work

Before You Feed

• Deepen the latch: Make sure your baby’s mouth covers a good portion of the areola, not just the nipple.
• Offer a teether beforehand: Let them gnaw on something cold before nursing if teething is the issue. A chilled teething ring, breast milk popsicle, or a baby sock with ice inside can do the trick.
• Avoid numbing gels before feeding: These can deaden your baby’s mouth and make it harder for them to latch properly.
• Homemade teething biscuits or cold finger foods may help relieve gum pressure.
• Use soothing techniques before nursing: Dim the lights, play soft music, or nurse in a quiet space to minimize distractions.
• Offer solid food first: For older babies with strong appetites, a small solid snack can reduce hunger-related biting.

During the Feed

• Watch for signs they’re done: If they start to fidget or lose interest, gently unlatch them before biting starts.
• Take them off immediately if they bite: Offer a teething toy and calmly explain that biting means no milk.
• Avoid bottles and pacifiers during biting phases—they may encourage biting habits.
• Praise good nursing behavior: Your baby is learning what works. Reinforce positive habits.

After Feeding

If your nipples are already sore:

• Air dry after each feed.
• Massage a few drops of breast milk into your nipples.
• Apply pure lanolin or a nipple balm.
• Use a nipple shield temporarily if healing is needed—but only short-term.

When To Ask for Help

If biting is frequent, your nipples are injured, or something just feels off, it’s absolutely okay to reach out. A lactation consultant can help spot latch issues or feeding patterns you might not notice on your own. Sometimes a small tweak makes a big difference.

The Bottom Line on Baby Biting

Yes, baby biting while breastfeeding is painful—but it’s usually temporary and fixable. By paying attention to why it’s happening and taking a few protective steps, you can get through this phase with your nipples (and your sanity) intact. And if you’re struggling, know this: you’re doing an amazing job, and help is always available if you need it.

Resources

• Find a breastfeeding support group near you.
• Milkology Breastfeeding Class – Affordable, video-based online course to help you master breastfeeding at your own pace.

References

• Biting and Breastfeeding — Australian Breastfeeding Association
  Covers causes like teething, boredom, and milk flow issues. Offers practical advice for prevention and in-the-moment response.
• Nipple Biting During Breastfeeding: Why It Happens and How to Stop It — Healthline. Explains the anatomy of biting, emotional responses, and step-by-step solutions from lactation experts.
• Breastfeeding: Why Babies May Bite and How to Stop It — NCT (UK). Breaks down different phases when biting is likely, plus calm, actionable strategies. Supports moms in staying the course without feeling pressured to wean.