Breastfeeding your teething baby can be challenging and hurtful when they bite on your nipples. But it's important for you to know that teething does not indicate the ending of your breastfeeding journey. Some babies start to get teeth as early as 3 months of age while most babies begin teething between 4-7 months of age.
Your baby can get cranky and want to nurse more often than usual for comfort. Or their gums may be swollen they don't want to nurse at all. Sometimes it can feel like you have to relearn everything from latching to breastfeeding positions all over again to find out what works for you and your baby. Here are some tips you can try to make breastfeeding a teething baby great.
Tips to Breastfeed Your Teething Baby
1. Give your baby something to nibble on before and after feedings. It could be a baby teether or a cold, wet washcloth that can help relieve your baby's sore gums. Massaging your baby's gums gently with a clean finger before they latch on may also provide temporary relief. If your baby is older than 6 months and eating solids, you may offer cold foods for them to enjoy such as frozen banana or yoghurt.
2. Use a pain reliever 30-45 minutes before feedings. Ensure to consult your baby's doctor about the age-appropriate dose of pain reliever (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) according to your baby's weight. If your baby is comfortable, they will less likely to bite down.
3. Check your baby's latch. If your baby latches on correctly (with a wide open mouth and the nipple is far back in their mouth), they cannot bite. You may want to change your breastfeeding positions if your nipples become sore. Also, do note if your baby gets sleepy and the nipple is slipping away, your baby may bite reflexively.
4. Watch for signs of fullness. Biting is most likely to occur when your baby is full and has lost interest in nursing, so look for signs of fullness (stops sucking and swallowing, falls asleep) and take your baby off the breast.
5. Continue to offer your breast even if your baby refuses to nurse, but do not force them. Meanwhile, you can pump your breast milk to keep up your milk supply. If your baby takes your expressed breast milk, offer them from a bottle or cup.
6. Do not use numbing remedies containing benzocaine on babies 2 years old and under due to the risk of methemoglobinemia, a dangerous condition that limits the amount of oxygen in the blood.
7. Pay attention. Some babies will bite when your attention is elsewhere - on the phone or TV, for example. Try to engage with your baby during breastfeeding. You may also want to reduce disturbance by dimming the lights, turning off the TV, playing soothing music, or going to a quiet room.
8. Get help from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding group if you need more support, tips, and information.
What to do if your baby bites
Your baby may bite after they have stopped actively nursing and coming off the breast, usually toward the end of a feeding. Which can be uncomfortable and painful for you. If this happens, say "no" or "no biting" gently but firmly, while detaching your baby from the breast.
Alternatively, you can offer a teether or something safe for your baby to gnaw on. If your baby manages to break the skin, clean the area with soap and water before continuing nursing. Nipple creams and other remedies for sore nipples may provide some relief as well.
