Baby Biting Nipples: Causes and Tips on Prevention

Is your little one nipple biting during breastfeeding? Here are our top tips on how to make it stop.

If you’re breastfeeding your baby, you may well be familiar with the nipple bite - that moment when your baby suddenly bites down as they feed, and you feel a sharp pinch!

From teething and feeling unwell to latching and breastfeeding attachment, we’re exploring some of the causes behind nipple biting and offering our advice for how to prevent it. 

There’s no getting away from it; those little bites from tiny gums and teeth can be a real pain. So, let’s take a look at what might be causing your little one to nipple bite. 

If your baby isn’t getting enough milk during a breastfeed, this might cause them to become fidgety and frustrated. Nipple biting is just one way they might try to get more milk. 

Try offering your baby more breastfeeds. This will help maintain and increase your milk supply and help your baby go with the flow - and perhaps go easier on your nipples!¹

Most babies cut their first teeth at around 6 months. However, some start a little earlier, some a little later, and some are even born with their first teeth in place².  

Teething can be uncomfortable for babies, and to ease those sore little gums, they may chew and bite anything they come into contact with - your nipples included. If you’re breastfeeding when teething is in full swing, you might find yourself dealing with nipple biting.

Yes! The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding your baby exclusively for the first six months after birth, and for up to two years alongside their weaning diet³.  If your baby starts nipple biting when their teeth come through, it may be because the way they latch onto your breast changes. Nipple biting should stop or reduce once they get used to a new latch¹

When it comes to nipple biting (or any nipple pain in general, for that matter), making sure your baby is properly attached to your breast is important.

During breastfeeding, your baby’s tongue should cover their bottom gum so they can’t bite your nipple¹.

If nipple bites are something you’re dealing with, try experimenting with different breastfeeding positions to find the one that works for you, your baby, and your nipples!

Even as adults, breathing through your nose can be pretty tricky if you’ve got a cold and you’re feeling bunged up. The same goes for your baby. If they’re not feeling too well, they may struggle to breathe easily when breastfeeding, and may try to latch on a little harder, biting down as they do⁴.

Try our top tips to help you say goodbye to the nipple bite and hello to a comfortable breastfeeding journey with your baby¹.

• Keep things calm. While it’s tempting to shout out or jump when your baby bites your nipple, try to stay calm and relaxed. It can also help to create a relaxed environment when feeding so that your baby doesn’t get distracted, and you can spot when they’re about to bite.
• Make eye contact. Looking at your baby and focusing on them as you feed may help prevent them from biting your nipple for attention.
• Try different breastfeeding positions. Changing things up can help your baby get a better latch and feed more effectively.
• Pull your baby closer when they bite, encouraging them to stop and let go.
• Break the suction. Gently use your finger to break the suction if you get a nipple bite.
• Offer them something else to chew. If your baby has started nipple biting, offering them something to chew before you breastfeed could help, especially if your little one is teething. If they continue to bite, try taking a break from feeding and giving them something to chew on for a few minutes before trying again.

Sore and cracked nipples are a common problem for breastfeeding mums. However, there are a few things you can try to keep your nipples free from discomfort⁵:

• Avoid using soap near your nipples when taking a bath or shower. Soap can dry out your skin and make your nipples sore. Rinse the nipples gently with just water instead⁶.
• When your baby has finished feeding, give your nipples a little time to dry before covering them again.
• If you’re using breast pads, change them regularly, and after every feed.
• Opt for cotton bras with no underwire as these will help the air around your nipples to circulate.

Nipple biting isn’t necessarily an indication that your baby is ready to wean or that you should stop breastfeeding. Your baby will be ready to enjoy their first tastes of solid foods from 6 months, and you can continue to breastfeed alongside weaning for as long as you wish.

There’s no way to know how long a nipple bite will take to heal, depending on how big or deep the bite is. Some will heal in days, while others could take weeks.

If you’re in pain, dab it with some expressed breast milk or a lanolin-based cream to ease the soreness⁴. If the pain doesn’t let up and you’re struggling to feed, speak to your GP or other healthcare professional.

Yes. However, you may need to try resting your nipple and feeding on one side for a while as the cut heals. You may need to express milk from your other breast to prevent your breast from becoming too full¹.  

If you’re struggling, always seek medical advice sooner rather than later so that you can continue breastfeeding and keep up your milk supply⁵.

Nipple pain and soreness are very common, especially in the early days of breastfeeding. Usually, it’s because your baby isn’t latched onto your breast and feeding effectively, and there are many reasons why this might be the case, including⁵:

• Tongue-tie
• Inverted nipples
• Blocked milk ducts
• Engorgement

Aside from your baby’s latch and attachment to your breast, other things can cause your nipples to become sore, like⁷:

• Thrush
• Milk blisters or ‘blebs’
• Mastitis
• Vasospasm (poor circulation to the nipple)