Babies bite nipples primarily due to changes in feeding or when teething. Here's a detailed look:
Reasons Babies Bite While Breastfeeding
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Change in Position | A baby may bite down as a reaction to an uncomfortable position during feeding. |
| Slow Milk Flow | If the milk flow slows or stops, the baby might clamp down to try and get the milk flowing again, using a bite instead of a suck reflex. |
| Teething | Babies who are teething might bite as they try to soothe their gums, much like they would use a teething toy (Lyttle et al, 2015). |
Detailed Explanation
Babies bite for different reasons. They do not bite to hurt the mother, rather it is usually due to one or more of these factors:
Change in Position
- An uncomfortable position could trigger a bite.
- Adjusting the baby's position can help prevent biting.
- Ensure a proper latch to reduce discomfort.
Milk Flow Issues
- A change in milk flow rate might confuse the baby.
- Babies may bite to try and restart the flow when it slows down.
- This is a common issue, and babies may quickly go back to proper sucking once the milk flows properly.
Teething
- Teething can cause discomfort and urge to bite or chew.
- Babies might bite the nipple to relieve their sore gums as they are trying to soothe the area.
- Providing teething toys can help reduce biting of the nipple.
Practical Tips to Address Biting
- Observe and Adjust: Pay close attention to your baby’s cues and adjust their latch or position as needed.
- Stop the Feeding: When you feel a bite, stop the feeding and take the baby away from the breast for a brief moment to help them understand biting leads to a pause in the feeding.
- Offer Alternatives: If teething is suspected, provide a chilled teething ring or other teething toys before nursing.
- Reassess the Latch: Ensure the baby is properly latched onto the breast, including enough areola, to prevent nipple irritation.
- Be Patient: Babies usually grow out of the biting phase quickly. With understanding and a gentle approach, this behaviour can be managed.
