How do I get my five month old to stop bitin my nipples when feeding?

Question

She'll drink then pull and bite, then look at me and smile. And do it all over again..IT's funny but it hurts..

Answer 1

The best thing to do is unlatch her the minute she starts pulling. Use your pinky and insert it in her mouth to break the suction. Keep doing this every time and your baby will the get the hint. When you do it, say "no biting" also so she can learn what that means.

Answer 2

First, I know how you feel -- biting can really hurt! But I've worked through it with my girls and continued to have good nursing relationships, and it's been worth it.

Why do you think she's biting? Could she be teething? If so, try giving her a teething toy instead of offering to nurse, or soothe her pain with teething tablets, a cold washcloth, or pain medicine before nursing.

It sounds to me like she's just distracted. If she bit me more than once in a session, I'd quit nursing and try again later. Praise her for good nursing behavior, and end a session that involves biting quickly. You don't have to be mean, but you can tell her that biting hurts Mommy. She can bite a toy (and give her a toy she can bite), or she can nurse gently.

I know she's only 5 months old, but she'll learn. Hopefully, the biting part of this phase will pass soon.

Good luck!

Answer 3

They don't need teeth to hurt...I know! Put the baby down immediately on the floor (gently of course) and get up and leave the room. She will cry! Do this each time you even THINK she's gonna bite. Endure this, don't go to a bottle. That's too much rejection for a baby (honestly I don't know about these women who bottle feed who can breastfeed) However, this is a very good and early lesson to obey momma when she says not to do something.

Answer 4

I don't honestly know if you can reason with a 5 month old but I guess I would try a firm "no" and stop the feeding if she does it again. Maybe she will put 2 and 2 together.

Answer 5

Quit laughing and smiling. The only reason she does it it because it gets a reaction from you. Try looking away when she bites. She'll quit because she wants your attention. Or try looking at her and talking to her during the entire feeding. She might do it because she isn't getting as much eye contact as she wants.

Answer 6

put the milk into bottles i know that that is time for u n her to be together but she's kinda of old bcuz u want her independent instincts to kick in 4 i.e. holding the bottle on her own because my God daughter was 41/2 months when she did it own her own and too she adapted to the sippy cup faster and I personally think she will just be an adaptable person plus u will learn how she adapts she might cry but shell get through it its a lesson at a young age

Answer 7

You could try to tell her no, or stop but like someone else stated that may not work with her being so young.

I would suggest pumping your milk and feeding her with a bottle.

Answer 8

you gotta be firm on this one. my daughter did the same thing. cute smiles! UGH!! they kill you don't they?! really you have to be firm and tell her "NO" like you mean it. i had to get to the point where i said it loud and it made her cry but she got the point. she keeps trying it as she teethes more but i say no and she knows what i mean. i had a friend that had to flick the cheek because her son wouldn't stop biting.

trust me. you won't hurt her feelings. it is better for both of you to know that biting won't be tolerated. you don't want her to get to the point of drawing blood. ugh.

good luck!!

Answer 9

I have 2 words nipple guard! Look into it! My daughter bit me at 10 months and drew blood. It was not cute or funny!

Answer 10

Put your finger in the corner of her mouth so she can't clamp down and sternly say NO at her. She will get the message after a few times.