How do you breastfeed when a baby has teeth?

Navigating Breastfeeding with a Teething Baby
Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial practice for both mother and child, but when a baby begins to sprout teeth, many parents find themselves grappling with new challenges. The good news is that breastfeeding can continue smoothly even after the arrival of those first pearly whites.
Understanding the Timeline of Teething
Most babies will get their first tooth around six months of age, a milestone that can cause concern for breastfeeding mothers. However, experts emphasize that there is generally no reason to stop breastfeeding when teeth emerge. Many babies with teeth do not bite while nursing, and teething should not deter mothers from continuing this important bonding experience.
The Biting Concern
While the fear of biting is common, it’s important to note that most babies instinctively understand that breastfeeding is not a time for biting. Many mothers report that their children never attempted to bite during breastfeeding, even after they had teeth. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports this, recommending breastfeeding for at least a year, alongside the introduction of solid foods around six months.
Strategies for a Comfortable Experience
To ensure a positive breastfeeding experience during teething, there are several strategies mothers can employ:
1. Teething Soothers: Before breastfeeding, offering your baby a cold, wet washcloth or a teething toy can help soothe sore gums. This can reduce the likelihood of them biting during nursing.
2. Positioning: Experimenting with different breastfeeding positions can also make a difference. Ensuring that your baby is well-supported can help them latch on properly, which may minimize any discomfort associated with their teeth.
3. Setting Boundaries: It’s crucial to establish a “no biting” rule. If your baby does bite, gently but firmly remove them from the breast and explain that biting is not acceptable. This teaches them that breastfeeding is not a time for chewing.
4. Post-Feeding Care: After breastfeeding, it’s advisable to wipe down your baby’s teeth to maintain oral hygiene. This is particularly important as teeth emerge, as milk can contribute to tooth decay if left on the surfaces.
The Emotional Aspect
Breastfeeding is not just about nutrition; it’s also a significant emotional connection between mother and child. As babies grow and develop, they may go through phases of self-weaning, which can coincide with teething. Mothers should be prepared for these changes and understand that teething should not be a reason to stop breastfeeding altogether.
In conclusion, while the arrival of teeth can introduce new dynamics into breastfeeding, it does not have to signal the end of this cherished practice. With the right strategies and a bit of patience, mothers can continue to enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding, even as their babies grow and develop those first teeth.

How to feed when baby is teething?

Plain yogurt, pureed meat, mashed veggies and fruit are all good options because your baby doesn’t have to chew them. Frozen fruits, veggies or breastmilk in a mesh feeder. Fill it with frozen fruit (like bananas and peaches) or frozen pureed veggies (like broccoli and carrots) to soothe baby’s sensitive gums.

How do I get my teething baby to breastfeed?

Sometimes, giving them a teething aid like a frozen washcloth or silicone teether can help calm them enough for a feeding. If your baby refuses to nurse while teething, be sure to pump or hand express your milk and give it to your infant in a bottle or sippy cup.

What is the best position to breastfeed a teething baby?

Make sure your baby’s body is well supported, and that your little one is positioned close to your breast and body. Get your little one to open their mouth wide before latching, and make sure your breast is drawn deep into their mouth. Your nipple should be pointing toward the top back of their mouth.

Can you still breastfeed when baby has teeth?

Some new moms think that once their newborns sprout teeth, breastfeeding will suddenly become very painful, and they may consider weaning at that point. There’s no need. Teething shouldn’t have much effect on your nursing relationship.

How to unlatch when baby has teeth?

If your baby has sprouted a tooth and you are concerned that they may nip you as a feeding ends: Keep your finger ready to break the suction and remove your breast as soon as her rhythmic suckling stops (and before she starts to drift off or feel playful).

How do I breastfeed my baby when it bites?

Tips to help stop baby from biting you while breastfeeding

1. Let baby know that biting is not wanted.
2. Soothe sore gums.
3. Watch carefully for the end of the feed.
4. Get your milk flowing.
5. Focus on a good latch.
6. Minimize distractions (for you and baby!)
7. Pull baby towards you, not away.
8. Give positive reinforcement.

How to help nipples when baby is teething?

Some mothers say that their baby’s saliva changes during teething and this irritates their nipples. If you feel this kind of soreness, try rinsing your nipple area after feeds with a little bicarbonate of soda dissolved in water (approximately 1 teaspoon to 1 cup). You could also bathe your breast in salty water.

What to do if your teething baby won’t nurse?

While nursing
If you sense your baby is slowing down his or her feeding, fidgeting, shifting the tongue, or tightening the jaw, unlatch your baby and offer him or her a cold washcloth or teething toy to relieve discomfort. After your baby has had a chance to bite or chew, try breastfeeding again.

How to unlatch a baby with teeth?

If your baby has sprouted a tooth and you are concerned that they may nip you as a feeding ends: Keep your finger ready to break the suction and remove your breast as soon as her rhythmic suckling stops (and before she starts to drift off or feel playful).

What causes babies to get teeth early?

Babies of longer gestation and with larger size at birth had their first tooth earlier, had more teeth at age one year, and were more likely to have >16 teeth at age two years. Also, children who were breast fed for 7 complete months or more had delayed tooth eruption and fewer teeth at ages one and two years.