How to Stop a Breast Feeding Baby From Biting

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Breastfed babies of any age may start biting while nursing, causing most mothers to consider weaning early due to the pain. Fortunately, there are a few ways to prevent this painful occurrence, allowing breast-feeding to continue until mother and baby are both ready to wean. Learn how to stop a breast-feeding baby from biting by using the following methods.

Steps

Be Proactive

1. Watch the baby closely to prevent biting while breast-feeding. You can usually detect signs that he is bored, full or distracted, which can cause him to bite while nursing. Take him off the breast and tend to his other needs if you notice these signs.
2. Take away all distractions. Some babies who bite while nursing cannot concentrate on eating when there are various things to look at or listen to in the room. Go to a dark, quiet room so that the baby can focus on eating, rather than biting out of excitement or anxiety.
3. Give the baby your full attention while nursing. Some babies bite to get their mother's attention as they nurse.

Take Care of Issues That Lead to Biting

1. Look for signs of teething. If you notice teeth coming through the gums, offer a teething ring or a cold washcloth instead of nursing. Other signs of teething include excessive drooling, swollen gums and fussiness.
2. Make sure the baby is getting enough milk. Some babies bite out of frustration due to lack of milk. Break his latch and squeeze your nipple to make sure that milk is coming out.
3. Ensure that the baby has a good latch. His mouth should be open wide, not biting the tip of the nipple.

Teach the Baby Without Incurring Injury

1. Prevent injury to the breast by putting your finger in the baby's mouth. This should break the mouth's grip on the nipple. This is a good alternative to pulling his head away, as that causes him to yank the nipple even harder as he is pulled backward.
2. Pull the baby's head closer to the breast as another method of breaking the latch. The baby will briefly not be able to breathe with his face against the breast, forcing him to release the nipple without injury to either of you.
3. Stop nursing for a few minutes if the baby keeps biting. This will teach him that biting while breast-feeding will get him nowhere. Try again in a few minutes if he continues to cry after you stop.
4. Avoid yelling at the baby when he bites. This may scare him away from nursing for a while, or it may drive him to do it again if he is amused at the strong reaction.
5. Sternly say "no" when he bites. While a younger baby might not catch on to this hint, he will eventually understand its meaning, especially if you stop nursing for a few minutes afterward.

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