Baby Biting Nipple While Nursing
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rachel Kim, MD, RDN · Pediatric Nutrition Specialist
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, WHO guidelines
Last reviewed:
Feeding challenges are one of the most common concerns new parents face. When it comes to baby biting nipple while nursing, here is what the guidelines recommend.
The short answer
Biting during breastfeeding is a common challenge, especially when babies start teething. It can be startling and painful, but it is almost always a phase that can be managed. Babies cannot actively nurse and bite at the same time because their tongue covers the lower teeth during proper sucking. Biting typically happens at the beginning or end of a feed when the latch is not active. With some gentle strategies, most babies learn quickly that biting ends the feeding session.
Key takeaways
- Biting during breastfeeding is a common challenge, especially when babies start teething. It can be startling and painful, but it is almost always a phase that can be managed. Babies cannot actively nurse and bite at the same time because their tongue covers the lower teeth during proper sucking. Biting typically happens at the beginning or end of a feed when the latch is not active. With some gentle strategies, most babies learn quickly that biting ends the feeding session.
- Usually normal when: Your baby bites once or twice during a feed, especially when distracted or at the end of a nursing session
- Call your doctor if: A bite wound on your nipple shows signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, for 2 years or beyond.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, WHO guidelines, biting during breastfeeding is a common challenge, especially when babies start teething. It can be startling and painful, but it is almost always a phase that can be managed. Babies cannot actively nurse and bite at the same time because their tongue covers the lower teeth during proper sucking. Biting typically happens at the beginning or end of a feed when the latch is not active. With some gentle strategies, most babies learn quickly that biting ends the feeding session. At 3-6 months, some babies begin biting even before teeth erupt, using their gums to clamp down. This may happen when they are teething and their gums are sore, when the milk flow is too fast or too slow, or when they are distracted and not actively nursing. Offer a cold teething toy before nursing to relieve gum pressure. Watch for the end of active swallowing, which is often when biting occurs, and unlatch your baby when their sucking slows down. It is generally considered normal when your baby bites once or twice during a feed, especially when distracted or at the end of a nursing session. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if a bite wound on your nipple shows signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
3-6 months
Some babies begin biting even before teeth erupt, using their gums to clamp down. This may happen when they are teething and their gums are sore, when the milk flow is too fast or too slow, or when they are distracted and not actively nursing. Offer a cold teething toy before nursing to relieve gum pressure. Watch for the end of active swallowing, which is often when biting occurs, and unlatch your baby when their sucking slows down.
6-9 months
This is the most common age for biting because teeth are actively emerging. When your baby bites, calmly remove them from the breast, say a brief "no biting" in a firm but gentle voice, and wait a moment before offering the breast again. Avoid screaming or having a big reaction, as some babies find this amusing and may bite again to get the response. Press your baby close to the breast rather than pulling away, which can cause nipple damage.
9-12 months
With more teeth and better jaw control, biting can become more painful. Stay consistent with your response - calmly end the feeding session when biting occurs. Most babies learn within a few days that biting means nursing stops. If your baby is going through a particularly persistent biting phase, try nursing when they are calmer and less distracted, and keep sessions slightly shorter. Some babies bite when they are finished eating but still latched.
1-2 years
Toddlers who bite during nursing are sometimes testing boundaries, experimenting, or communicating that they want to stop. By this age, you can use simple words to set expectations: "Be gentle with mama" or "We don't bite." If biting becomes a frequent pattern, consider whether your toddler might be ready to reduce nursing sessions. It is also normal if a biting phase makes you want to begin weaning, and that is a valid choice.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby biting nipple while nursing and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby bites so frequently that you have nipple damage that is not healing.
- Mention if you have developed a painful breast infection from bite wounds.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby bites once or twice during a feed, especially when distracted or at the end of a nursing session
- Biting coincides with new teeth emerging and improves once the tooth fully comes in
- Your baby stops biting after consistent, calm responses over a few days
- Your baby bites gently with their gums before teeth have erupted
- Your baby bites so frequently that you have nipple damage that is not healing
- You have developed a painful breast infection from bite wounds
- The biting has caused a nursing strike and your baby is now refusing to breastfeed
- A bite wound on your nipple shows signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus
- You are in so much pain from biting that your baby is not getting adequate feeds and is showing signs of dehydration
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby biting nipple while nursing — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby bites once or twice during a feed, especially when distracted or at the end of a nursing session — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 3-6 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Offer feeding in a calm, distraction-free environment. Avoid forcing or pressuring your baby to eat.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if a bite wound on your nipple shows signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Feeding & Nutrition Guide
Complete guide to breastfeeding, formula feeding, and solid food introduction.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is baby biting nipple while nursing normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby biting nipple while nursing?
When is baby biting nipple while nursing normal?
What causes baby biting nipple while nursing?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby biting nipple while nursing?
Is baby biting nipple while nursing normal at 3-6 months?
Is baby biting nipple while nursing normal at 6-9 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby biting nipple while nursing?
Does baby biting nipple while nursing go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Biting Nipple While Nursing.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby biting nipple while nursing and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby bites so frequently that you have nipple damage that is not healing.
- Mention if you have developed a painful breast infection from bite wounds.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your baby bites so frequently that you have nipple damage that is not healing
- You have developed a painful breast infection from bite wounds
- The biting has caused a nursing strike and your baby is now refusing to breastfeed
Urgent signs to report immediately
- A bite wound on your nipple shows signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus
- You are in so much pain from biting that your baby is not getting adequate feeds and is showing signs of dehydration
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby biting nipple while nursing are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if a bite wound on your nipple shows signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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