Dealing with a baby who's started biting during feeds? You're not alone—and it doesn't mean breastfeeding has to end. For the complete picture on navigating breastfeeding challenges, see our comprehensive guide for Australian mothers—but right now, let's focus specifically on why biting happens and exactly how to stop it.

You're nursing peacefully, perhaps even drowsy yourself, when suddenly—sharp pain shoots through your nipple. Your baby has bitten you. Hard.

Your instinct is to yell, to pull away, to wonder if this is the end of your breastfeeding journey. The pain is real. The shock is real. And the fear that this will keep happening? Completely understandable.

Here's the reassurance you need: biting during breastfeeding is common, temporary, and manageable. Most babies go through a biting phase, and most mothers navigate through it without needing to wean. With the right techniques, you can teach your baby that biting isn't acceptable—usually within just a few days.

Understanding why your baby bites is the first step to stopping it. Importantly, it is physically impossible for a baby to nurse and bite at the same time—their tongue covers their bottom teeth while actively sucking. This means biting almost always happens at the very start or end of a feed, not during active nursing.

Common Reasons for Biting

Teething discomfort: The most common cause. Sore, swollen gums seek relief through pressure, and your nipple is conveniently available.

Slow milk flow: If your let-down is slow, your baby may bite out of frustration while waiting for milk to flow.

Distraction: Older babies become aware of their environment. A sudden noise can cause them to clamp down in surprise.

Boredom or playfulness: Once hunger is satisfied, some babies experiment with their new teeth.

End of feed: Many bites happen when the baby is essentially finished but hasn't yet released the nipple.

Check and Optimise the Latch

A deep, correct latch makes biting physically difficult. Ensure your baby's mouth is wide open and their head is tilted slightly back. For comprehensive guidance, see our article on mastering the breastfeeding latch and attachment techniques.

Watch for Warning Cues

Pay close attention near the end of feeds. Signs your baby may be about to bite include: jaw tensing, tongue pulling back from the nipple, a mischievous look, or slowed sucking. When you notice these cues, break the latch before the bite happens.

Soothe Teething Gums Before Feeds

Offer a cold teether or frozen wet washcloth for a few minutes before feeding. Gently massage swollen gums with a clean finger.

Eliminate Distractions

Feed in a quiet, low-light environment when possible. Sudden noises and movements are common bite triggers.

Increase Milk Flow If Frustration Is the Cause

Try breast compressions during the feed to maintain flow. Hand-express or pump briefly before latching to trigger let-down earlier.

Treating Bitten Nipples

Apply expressed breast milk: Rub a few drops onto the affected area and let it air dry.

Use pure lanolin cream: Apply after feeds to create a protective barrier and speed up healing.

For more detailed guidance on healing, see our article on how to prevent nipple damage while breastfeeding.

Pulling away quickly: This causes more damage than the bite itself. Train yourself to break suction first.

Big reactions (even negative ones): Screaming can either frighten your baby into a nursing strike or entertain them enough to bite again.

Inconsistent consequences: Every bite should mean the feed ends. Consistency is essential.

Giving up too soon: Most biting phases resolve within days to weeks with consistent intervention.

Biting isn't the only painful behaviour nursing babies develop. If your baby is also pinching, scratching, or pulling during feeds, see our guide on how to stop breastfeeding pinching and scratching.

Supporting your nutrition during challenging breastfeeding phases matters. Our Nourish Mama lactation cookies provide galactagogue support in a convenient format—helpful when feeds are stressful and you need easy nourishment.

Biting is one of those breastfeeding challenges that feels devastating in the moment but is almost always temporary and manageable. With consistent responses and prevention strategies, most babies learn quickly that biting ends the feed—and the behaviour stops.

For the complete picture, return to our Breastfeeding Nutrition & Milk Supply Guide.

If nipple damage is a concern, our guide on preventing and treating nipple damage provides detailed healing strategies.

If your baby has developed other painful feeding behaviours, see our article on stopping breastfeeding pinching and scratching.