The first time your baby's new tooth catches you mid-feed, it can make you jump (and maybe rethink the whole breastfeeding plan). Take heart: teething is a passing phase, biting is almost always fixable, and you absolutely do not need to wean just because a tooth has arrived. This guide covers what is happening with those sore little gums and gentle, practical ways to keep nursing comfortable for you both.
The Reassuring Facts First
A few truths can take the worry out of teething:
Babies cannot bite while actively nursing. When latched and drinking, your baby's tongue covers their lower teeth, so biting during active feeding is physically almost impossible. Biting usually happens at the start or end of a feed, when hunger is satisfied and your baby is playing or the milk has slowed. A tooth does not mean it is time to wean. Parents around the world nurse happily through teething and well beyond. Teething discomfort is often worst before a tooth erupts, while it is still pushing through the gum. Knowing this helps you anticipate and respond calmly.
Easing Sore Gums Before a Feed
Sometimes the fussiness and latching changes come from gum pain, so a little pre-feed relief goes a long way.
Offer your baby something cold to chew on before nursing, like a clean, wet washcloth (you can wrap it around an ice cube) or a chilled teether. Numbing the gums a bit can help your baby settle into feeding before the discomfort flares again. A gentle gum massage with a clean finger can also soothe. One caution worth noting: avoid using anything frozen or a numbing teething product immediately before a feed, because too much numbness can actually interfere with your baby's ability to latch correctly. Why it matters: a baby in gum pain may latch shallowly or fidget, which can lead to sore nipples for you, so easing their discomfort first tends to make the whole feed smoother.
Handling Biting Gently
If your baby does clamp down, your calm, consistent response teaches them quickly that biting ends the feed.
Watch for the telltale signs a bite is coming: your baby pausing, their jaw tensing, or their tongue shifting, usually once their initial hunger is satisfied. When you sense it, act fast to break the suction by slipping a clean finger into the corner of their mouth between the gums before removing them from the breast. Resist the instinct to pull your baby straight off, since that can damage your nipple. Then give a calm, clear "no bite" and offer a cold teether or washcloth. Your baby is not trying to hurt you and may be surprised you stopped the feed, so a quick cuddle helps. If they root to nurse again, offer the breast, but do not persist if they clamp down again, and find another way to comfort them for a bit. Consistency is what teaches the lesson, and most babies get it quickly.
Latch, Positioning, and Staying the Course
New front teeth or swollen gums can change how your baby latches, so this is a great time to revisit the fundamentals. Make sure your baby opens wide and latches deeply, with plenty of your areola in their mouth, since a deep latch means their tongue cushions your nipple and their teeth rest far back rather than on the tender tip. Experiment with different positions to find one that keeps any sharp new tooth off a sore spot. If your baby wants to nurse more often during teething for comfort, that is normal and helpful, and the milk itself soothes them. On the rare occasion a bite breaks the skin, keep the area clean and treat it like any sore nipple, using lanolin or a hydrogel pad and switching positions to protect the spot while it heals. If discomfort persists, a lactation consultant or La Leche League Leader can offer personalized help, and the Learning Center has more on latch and positioning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breastfeeding and Teething
Can my baby actually bite me while breastfeeding?
Not while actively nursing. When your baby is latched and drinking, their tongue covers their lower teeth, so biting during active feeding is nearly impossible without them biting their own tongue. Biting typically happens at the start or end of a feed, when your baby is not actively drinking.
Do I have to wean once my baby gets teeth?
No. A first tooth is not a reason to wean. Parents nurse comfortably through teething and long after, and the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding well into the toddler years. With a few adjustments for latch and biting, you can keep going as long as you both like.
How should I react if my baby bites?
Stay calm and act quickly. Break the suction by slipping a clean finger between the gums before removing your baby, rather than pulling them off, which can hurt your nipple. Give a firm, gentle "no bite," offer a cold teether, and comfort them. Consistency teaches most babies to stop fast.
Can I use teething gels or frozen teethers right before nursing?
Use caution. Numbing gels and very cold or frozen items right before a feed can numb your baby's mouth enough to affect their latch. It is usually better to offer a cool (not frozen) teether or washcloth a little before feeding, then let the numbness ease before latching.
My baby seems fussier and wants to nurse more while teething. Is that okay?
Yes, it is very normal. Nursing is comforting, and many babies want to feed more often during teething. If you are happy to offer the breast frequently, it can help both of you through the phase. If feeding becomes uncomfortable, use the latch and biting tips above.
Nurse Through It With Confidence
Teething is a season, not a stopping point. With cold comfort, a good latch, and a calm response to biting, you and your baby can sail through it. If you pump alongside nursing, Storkpump can help you order a breast pump through insurance, often at little to no cost, and getting a comfortable flange fit helps too. See the FAQ page for coverage details and learn more about us. Share these tips with a friend bracing for their baby's first tooth! For more, La Leche League's page on teething is a warm, practical resource.
Sources
- La Leche League International. Teething. https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/teething/
- WIC Breastfeeding Support, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Breastfeeding your teething baby. https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/breastfeeding-your-teething-baby
- Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Breastfeeding. https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding
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