Teething While Breastfeeding at Night: What Helps (and What to Avoid)

The short answer: Teething can make breastfeeding at night harder—more wake-ups, fussier latching, and sometimes biting near the end of feeds. The good news: you usually don’t need to stop nursing. With a fast bite-response, a few latch tweaks, and safe gum-soothing tools, most families get through this phase within about a week per tooth

If you’re reading this at 3 AM with sore nipples and a cranky baby, you’re not alone. Teething transforms peaceful nighttime nursing sessions into stressful, painful experiences for thousands of parents every night. But here’s the good news: teething doesn’t have to end your breastfeeding journey.

In this guide, you’ll discover evidence-based solutions to handle the three biggest nighttime teething challenges: painful biting, sleep disruption, and latching difficulties. Plus, you’ll learn exactly when teething pain justifies those 2 AM wake-ups—and when something else might be going on.

Why Teething Makes Nighttime Breastfeeding So Challenging

The Biology Behind Nighttime Teething Pain

Many parents notice teething discomfort feels worse at night, often because babies have less distraction and have trouble resettling. If your baby wakes more at night, gentle gum pressure/massage or a cold teething cloth can help.

Here’s what happens during nighttime teething:

Physical Changes:

• Increased gum sensitivity from tooth pressure pushing through the tissue
• Inflammation that peaks when lying down
• Swelling that makes the usual comfortable latch feel painful
• Excess drooling can cause facial rashes and discomfort

Behavioural Changes During Night Nursing:

• Constant latching and unlatching as the baby tries to find a comfortable position
• Biting or clamping down to relieve gum pressure
• Increased night waking (every 45-90 minutes instead of 2-3 hours)
• Nursing strikes, where the baby refuses the breast despite being hungry
• Fussiness even while feeding because sucking pulls on sore gums

The Three Core Nighttime Teething Challenges

Challenge #1: Biting During Feeds

The American Academy of Pediatrics clarifies an important point: “An actively nursing baby will not bite because their tongue covers their lower teeth.” Biting typically happens at the END of feeds when baby starts to pull away or feels playful—not during active suckling.

Challenge #2: Disrupted Sleep for Everyone

According to La Leche League International, teething pain disrupts babies’ usual sleep patterns, leading to:

• More frequent night wakings (sometimes every hour)
• Difficulty settling back to sleep after feeds
• Shorter sleep cycles (30-45 minutes instead of 90+ minutes)
• Comfort nursing that lasts 20-30 minutes instead of 5-10 minutes

Challenge #3: Painful Latching

New teeth or swollen gums change how the baby latches. The Mayo Clinic notes that sore gums may cause babies to:

• Shallow latch to avoid pressure on gums
• Clench jaw involuntarily from pain
• Pull away repeatedly mid-feed
• Arch back or turn the head to escape discomfort

Teething Pain vs. Illness Checker

This checker helps parents quickly determine if symptoms are normal teething or require medical attention.

How to Prevent and Stop Biting During Nighttime Nursing

Understanding Why Babies Bite, It’s Not Malicious!

Before you can stop biting, you need to understand the cause. Research from pediatric lactation consultants identifies these common reasons:

Top 5 Reasons Teething Babies Bite:

1. Gum Pain Relief – Biting applies counter-pressure that temporarily soothes sore gums
2. Distraction – Night sounds, shadows, or movement catch the baby’s attention mid-feed
3. Milk Flow Changes – When let-down slows, the baby may bite in frustration
4. Exploration – Babies 6-9 months are discovering their jaw strength
5. Playfulness – Some babies bite to see your reaction (especially older babies)

The 3-Second Response That Stops Biting Fast

When your baby bites, your immediate reaction matters. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this proven three-step method:

STEP 1: Break Suction Immediately (0-1 seconds)

• Insert your clean finger into the corner of the baby’s mouth
• Gently press down to break the seal
• Remove your breast quickly but calmly

STEP 2: Say “No” Firmly (1-2 seconds)

• Use a firm, calm voice: “No biting.”
• Make brief eye contact
• Keep your expression neutral (not angry or amused)

STEP 3: Set Baby Down Briefly (2-15 seconds)

• Place the baby gently on the bed or floor
• Break all physical contact for 5-10 seconds
• This teaches: biting = no more breast

STEP 4: Resume Nursing

• Pick the baby up after the brief break
• Offer breast again
• Repeat if biting happens again

Why This Works:
Babies learn quickly through cause-and-effect: biting ends the feed. With a calm, consistent response, many babies reduce biting noticeably over the next several days (La Leche Canada)

7 Proactive Strategies to Prevent Night Biting

STRATEGY #1: Feed BEFORE Deep Teething Pain Hits

Watch for early teething cues during the day:

• Excessive drooling
• Gum rubbing with fingers
• Increased chewing on objects
• Mild fussiness

Give pain relief (acetaminophen or ibuprofen—check with your pediatrician) 30-45 minutes before bedtime nursing. This helps the medicine kick in during the feed.

STRATEGY #2: Offer Cold Relief Between Feeds

Keep these in your nightstand:

• Chilled (not frozen) washcloth – Wet and refrigerate for 30 minutes
• Silicone teething rings – Store 2-3 in the fridge for quick swaps
• Mesh feeder with frozen banana (for babies 6+ months, Note: only with close supervision and only if baby is already safely on solids; avoid if drowsy/asleep.)

STRATEGY #3: Keep Your Finger Ready at Night

During nighttime feeds, rest your finger near the corner of the baby’s mouth. When you feel their tongue shift backward (the pre-bite signal), immediately:

• Slip your finger in to break the suction
• Pull the baby closer

STRATEGY #4: Pull Baby IN (Not Away) When You Feel a Bite Coming

This sounds counterintuitive, but it works! When you sense the baby’s about to bite:

• Pull the baby closer to your breast (not away)
• This reflexively makes baby open their mouth to breathe
• They release the bite without clamping down harder

Pulling away triggers the baby’s instinct to hold on tighter—which means a harder bite.

STRATEGY #5: Create a Distraction-Free Night Environment

According to La Leche League, babies who are distracted are more likely to bite. For nighttime feeds:

• Dim lights or use a red nightlight (preserves melatonin)
• Turn off screens and phones
• Keep the room quiet
• Feed in the same spot each night (creates routine)
• Use white noise to mask household sounds

STRATEGY #6: Watch for the “End of Feed” Signals

Most biting happens when the baby’s done nursing but still has your nipple in their mouth. Watch for these signs to remove breast BEFORE biting:

• Rhythmic sucking slows or stops
• Eyes close and body relaxes (about to fall asleep)
• Jaw loosens
• The baby starts looking around instead of focusing on feeding

Action: As soon as you see these signals, break suction with your finger and gently remove your breast.

STRATEGY #7: Ensure Proper Deep Latch

A shallow latch makes biting easier. For nighttime feeds:

1. Wait until baby opens mouth WIDE (like a yawn)
2. Bring the baby to the breast quickly (not breast to baby)
3. Baby’s chin should touch the breast first
4. More areola is visible above the baby’s upper lip than below the lower lip
5. Baby’s lips should flare outward (not tucked in)

Pro Tip: If the baby has been biting frequently, they may have developed a shallow latch habit. Spend 2-3 days actively correcting latch at EVERY feed to reset the pattern.

Bite Prevention Timing Calculator

Helps parents time pain relief before nighttime feeds.

Managing Sleep Disruption: Surviving Teething Nights

Is It Really Teething or Something Else?

Not every night waking is teething-related. Use the table below to identify teething vs. other issues.

More likely teething (common + usually mild)	More likely illness / get medical advice
Drooling, chewing on hands/toys Swollen/tender gums (tooth close to erupting) Mild fussiness that comes and goes Wants to nurse more often for comfort More night waking but settles with soothing Mild facial flushing around the mouth (drool rash)	Fever ≥ 38°C / 100.4°F (don’t assume it’s teething) Vomiting, significant diarrhea, or worsening symptoms Rash that spreads / looks infected / comes with fever Very sleepy, hard to wake, or inconsolable crying Refusing feeds/fluids or fewer wet diapers Breathing trouble, wheezing, persistent cough Ear pain signs with persistent symptoms
Quick rule: Teething can be uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t cause a true fever or make your baby clearly unwell. If you’re worried, it’s always okay to call your baby’s healthcare provider.

A well-known prospective study found teething symptoms were more likely during an 8-day window: the 4 days before a tooth emerges, the day it emerges, and the 3 days after—so about one week per tooth for many babies.

Safe Sleep While Breastfeeding at Night (Especially If you’re Exhausted)

If you think you might fall asleep while feeding, avoid nursing on a couch or armchair—this is a high-risk situation for babies. Try to feed in a safer setup (firm adult bed, minimal loose bedding near baby), and once you’re awake again, return your baby to their own sleep space (crib/bassinet) for sleep.

The 2-Week Night Survival Plan

WEEK 1: Pain Management & Comfort (Days 1-7)

Before Bedtime (7:00 PM):

• Give pain reliever 30 minutes before first nursing session (ask pediatrician about infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
• Offer a frozen teether for 10 minutes
• Extra-long warm bath to relax muscles
• Gentle gum massage with a clean finger

During Night Wakings:

• First response: Check if baby will resettle with patting/shushing (30 seconds)
• Second response: Offer the breast if crying continues
• Keep it calm: No lights, talking, or stimulation
• Comfort nursing is OKAY: Don’t worry about “bad habits” during acute teething pain

Middle of Night Dose (Optional):
If the baby wakes after 2 AM and is inconsolable, you can give a second dose of pain reliever if:

• At least 4-6 hours have passed since the first dose
• Your pediatrician approved night dosing
• Baby is clearly in pain (not just habit waking)

WEEK 2: Gentle Sleep Reshaping (Days 8-14)

Once the worst pain passes (tooth breaks through the gum), start encouraging longer sleep stretches:

Differentiate Pain vs. Habit:

• Pain waking: Baby cries immediately upon waking, hard to soothe, won’t calm without nursing
• Habit waking: Baby fusses but might resettle with patting; calms quickly once latched, but doesn’t actively nurse

For Habit Wakings:

• Try “pause before responding” – Wait 30-60 seconds to see if baby resettles
• Offer comfort first (patting, shushing) before the breast
• Gradually reduce nursing time (if baby nurses 20 min, aim for 15 min, then 10 min over several nights)
• Partner takes over one waking with rocking/patting (no breast)

Latching Difficulties: Adapting Your Technique

Why Teething Changes Baby’s Latch

New teeth and swollen gums physically change the shape of your baby’s mouth. According to lactation consultants, here’s what happens:

Physical Changes:

• Front teeth create obstacles – Baby must navigate around them to latch
• Gum swelling reduces the mouth space
• Pain sensitivity makes the baby avoid pressure on certain spots
• Changed tongue position to protect sore areas

Result: Your baby’s previously perfect latch may suddenly become shallow, painful, or ineffective.

Quick Troubleshooting Guide

PROBLEM: Baby arches back and refuses breast
SOLUTIONS:

• Nurse in motion (walking, rocking, bouncing)
• Nurse in warm bath (skin-to-skin in water)
• Try a different position (upright instead of cradle)
• Reduce distractions (dark, quiet room)
• Give a pain reliever 20 minutes before attempting

PROBLEM: Baby latches then immediately pulls off, crying
SOLUTIONS:

• Check if let-down is too forceful (hand express a bit first)
• Massage gums before latching
• Apply a cold compress to the gums for 2 minutes pre-feed
• Try the side-lying position (less pressure)

PROBLEM: Baby clamps down during feed
SOLUTIONS:

• Pull the baby closer (not away) to trigger the release reflex
• Slip your finger in the corner of your baby’s mouth immediately
• Check if the baby is actually done nursing
• Ensure the baby isn’t distracted

PROBLEM: Clicking or smacking sounds (sign of shallow latch)
SOLUTIONS:

• Unlatch and start over with a deeper latch
• Try the asymmetric latch technique
• Use the nipple sandwich technique (compress the breast to make it flatter)
• Check for tongue mobility issues (consult lactation consultant)

Protecting Your Nipples: Healing & Prevention

When Teething Bites Cause Real Damage

Even one hard bite can cause:

• Bleeding or cracked nipples
• Nipple bruising or compression marks
• Nipple vasospasm (painful blanching)
• Infected bite wounds (rare but serious)

Immediate First Aid for Bite Injuries

RIGHT AFTER A BITE:

1. Express milk onto the wound – Breast milk has antibacterial properties (immunoglobulins, lactoferrin)
2. Apply cold compress – Wrap ice in a clean cloth, apply for 10 minutes
3. Air dry completely – Leave breast exposed 15-20 minutes
4. Check for bleeding – If bleeding doesn’t stop in 5 minutes, apply pressure and call a doctor

BETWEEN FEEDS:

• Medical-grade lanolin (Lansinoh): Apply a thin layer after each feed
• Hydrogel pads (Medela): Provide cooling relief and moist healing
• Silverettes (silver nursing cups): Antimicrobial properties, promote healing
• Go braless when possible to prevent fabric rubbing

FEEDING WITH INJURED NIPPLES

Option 1: Nurse From The Uninjured Side only	Option 2: Use Nipple Shield Temporarily	Option 3: Pump and Bottle-Feed Temporarily
Pump the injured side to maintain the supply	Medical-grade silicone shield (Medela, Lansinoh)	If pain is unbearable, take a 24-hour nursing break
Hand express a bit first to relieve pressure	Provides a protective barrier between the baby’s mouth and the wound	Pump every 2-3 hours to maintain supply
Usually, you can resume both sides in 24-48 hours.	Only use 2-3 days, or healing may slow	Resume nursing once the initial pain subsides

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR:

• Red streaks radiating from the bite wound (sign of infection)
• Fever of 100.4 degrees F or higher
• Pus or yellow discharge from the wound
• Severe pain that worsens after 48 hours
• You can’t nurse at all due to pain

Pain Relief: What Works (and What Doesn’t)

Pediatrician-Approved Options

According to the Mayo Clinic and FDA guidelines, here are safe pain relief methods:

PROVEN SAFE & EFFECTIVE:

1. Infant Pain Relievers

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol):
  • Safe for babies 3+ months
  • Dose: Based on weight (check with pediatrician)
  • Frequency: Every 4-6 hours as needed
  • Max: 5 doses in 24 hours
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin):
  • Safe for babies 6+ months
  • Dose: Based on weight (check with pediatrician)
  • Frequency: Every 6-8 hours as needed
  • Max: 3-4 doses in 24 hours
  • Bonus: Reduces inflammation better than acetaminophen

Timing for Night Nursing:

Give a dose 30-45 minutes before bedtime feed so the medicine peaks during the nursing session.

2. Cold Therapy

• Chilled washcloth: Wet, wring out, refrigerate 30 min
• Refrigerated (not frozen) teething rings: Silicone or BPA-free plastic
• Cold spoon: Place a metal spoon in the fridge, and gently rub it on the gums
• Chilled mesh feeder with banana or berries: For babies 6+ months on solids

Why cold works: Numbs nerve endings and reduces inflammation

3. Counter-Pressure/Massage

• Gently rub the baby’s gums with a clean finger
• Use firm (not hard) circular motions
• Focus on the bulging area where the tooth is emerging
• Do this 3-4 times per day AND before bedtime feed

4. Distraction & Comfort

• Extra cuddles and skin-to-skin
• Gentle rocking or swaying
• White noise or soft music
• Warm bath before bed

DANGEROUS—NEVER USE:

According to the FDA’s safety warnings, avoid these products:

1. Benzocaine Gels (Orajel, Anbesol, others)

• Risk: Can cause methemoglobinemia (a life-threatening blood disorder)
• FDA & Health Canada warning : Do NOT use in children under 2 years
• Includes: Baby Orajel, teething tablets with benzocaine

2. Lidocaine Teething Products

• Risk: Can cause seizures, heart problems, and difficulty breathing
• FDA warning: Avoid all products containing lidocaine for teething

3. Homeopathic Teething Tablets/Gels

• Risk: May contain belladonna (toxic plant) in unsafe amounts
• FDA warning: Multiple recalls due to serious adverse events
• Problem: Inconsistent ingredient amounts between batches

4. Amber Teething Necklaces

• Risks: Choking, strangulation, mouth injury, bacterial infection
• AAP position: Never safe for unsupervised use (especially at night)

5. Frozen Items Directly on Gums

• Risk: Frostbite on delicate gum tissue
• Safe alternative: Chilled (refrigerated) items only

Real Parent Stories: You’re Not Alone

“The 2 AM Bite That Almost Ended Breastfeeding”

Sarah, mom of 7-month-old Mia

“At 2:47 AM, Mia bit down HARD while nursing. I yelped so loud I woke my husband. I was bleeding, crying, and ready to quit breastfeeding that second. I pumped for 24 hours while my nipple healed and seriously considered switching to formula.

But then I talked to my lactation consultant. She explained that Mia wasn’t trying to hurt me— her bottom teeth were coming in and she was in pain. She taught me the ‘pull in, not away’ technique and how to watch for pre-bite signals.

Three days later, I was nursing again. Mia bit twice more, but each time I immediately said ‘no,’ set her down for 10 seconds, then resumed feeding. By day five, the biting stopped completely. Now at 9 months with 4 teeth, she hasn’t bitten me in weeks.

My advice: Don’t quit on the worst night. Give it a few days to see how the new techniques work. It really does get better.”

“Surviving 12 Teeth While Still Breastfeeding”

Jason, dad, whose wife exclusively breastfed their son through all teething

“My wife, Emma, nursed our son Liam through every single tooth—all 20 of them by age 2.5. The worst phase was 10-12 months, when he got six teeth in 8 weeks. Emma would come out of the bedroom at night, literally crying from exhaustion. Here’s what saved us:

– I took over every other night, waking up with a bottle of pumped milk
– We gave Liam ibuprofen before bed during bad teething weeks.(Use weight for dosing: Dosage should be based on your baby’s current weight, not just their age.)
– Emma kept frozen washcloths on her nightstand for Liam to chew between feeds
We lowered our expectations—sleep training went out the window during teething
Looking back, those were the hardest months of parenting. But Emma says she’s so glad she didn’t wean.

Liam is 3 now, still nursing once at bedtime, and they both love that connection.”

“The Teething Strike That Terrified Me”

Priya, mom of 5-month-old Aiden

“When Aiden’s first two teeth came in, he completely refused to breastfeed for 3 days. He’d scream and arch his back the second I brought him close. I was engorged, he was hungry, and I was convinced I’d done something wrong.
Turns out, his gums were so sore that the suction from breastfeeding hurt him. My pediatrician suggested:
– Giving him acetaminophen 30 minutes before attempts
– Offering breast in a warm bath (skin-to-skin)
– Pumping and cup-feeding if he still refused
Day 3, in the bath, he finally latched. Within 24 hours, he was back to normal nursing. The key was not panicking and finding alternative ways to feed him while we waited for the worst pain to pass.”

Expert Q&A: Your Teething & Night Nursing Questions Answered

When to Call Your Doctor

Teething Red Flags

While teething is usually manageable at home, call your pediatrician if:

FEVER:

• Temperature 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher (NOT caused by teething)
• Fever lasts more than 2 days
• Fever with lethargy or unusual behavior

FEEDING ISSUES:

• Baby refuses ALL food/breast for more than 6-8 hours
• Significantly fewer wet diapers (dehydration)
• Weight loss or no weight gain over 2 weeks

SEVERE SYMPTOMS:

• Inconsolable crying for hours despite all comfort attempts
• Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
• Vomiting
• Rash spreading beyond drool areas
• Signs of infection (pus on gums, extreme redness)

BREASTFEEDING INJURIES:

• Nipple wound shows signs of infection (red streaks, pus, fever)
• Bleeding that won’t stop after 5 minutes
• Severe pain that prevents you from nursing at all
• Suspected nipple vasospasm (turning white/purple after feeds)

When to See a Lactation Consultant

Consider professional help if:

• Biting continues despite 1 week of consistent correction
• You’re ready to quit breastfeeding due to teething challenges
• Baby’s latch has changed, and you can’t fix it
• You’re experiencing severe nipple pain with every feed
• Your milk supply has dropped significantly
• You need personalized positioning help

Find help:

• International Lactation Consultant Association: ILCA.org
• La Leche League: Free peer support at LLLI.org
• Your hospital’s lactation services (often covered by insurance)

Key Takeaways: Your Teething & Night Nursing Cheat Sheet

• Teething doesn’t mean you have to stop breastfeeding – Most babies with teeth never bite, and those who do can be taught to stop within a week.
• Biting happens at the END of feeds, not during active nursing – Watch for slow-down signals and break suction proactively.
• The “no, set down, resume” technique works – Babies learn cause-and-effect: biting = no more breast.
• Nighttime pain is temporary – Most teeth cause 5-7 days of significant discomfort; comfort nursing through it is okay.
• Cold therapy + pain relievers are your best tools – Use both before bedtime feeds for maximum relief.
• Protect your nipples aggressively – Keep finger ready, pull baby closer (not away), end feeds when sucking slows.
• Your supply won’t drop if you respond quickly – Pump to replace missed feeds; most teething strikes last under a week.
• Real fever (100.4 degrees F+) isn’t teething – Call your doctor if the baby has true fever, diarrhea, or vomiting.
• Don’t make permanent decisions during temporary challenges – Wait to decide about weaning until the teething pain passes.
• You’re not failing—this is really hard – Teething nights are exhausting; ask for help and be gentle with yourself.

Related Articles You Might Find Helpful

• Complete Baby Teething Timeline: When to Expect Each Tooth – Month-by-month guide to tooth eruption and symptom management
• Safe Teething Remedies: What Works (and What’s Dangerous) – Evidence-based review of teething products and home remedies
• Baby Sleep Regressions vs. Teething: How to Tell the Difference – Identify what’s really disrupting your baby’s sleep
• Best Teething Toys for 2025: Safety Guide & Reviews – Top-rated teething products recommended by pediatric dentists
• Breastfeeding Past 12 Months: Benefits and Challenges – Extended breastfeeding guidance for toddlers with full sets of teeth

Conclusion: You Can Get Through This

Right now, in the middle of the night with a cranky baby and sore nipples, teething feels endless. But here’s the truth: every single tooth eventually comes through. The biting phase passes. Your baby learns. Sleep improves.

Teething is one of the most challenging parts of breastfeeding, but it’s also temporary. The connection you maintain with your baby through these difficult nights—the comfort you provide, the pain relief of nursing—matters more than perfect sleep or avoiding occasional bites.

You’re not weak for finding this hard. You’re not failing if you need to take a pumping break or cry from exhaustion. You’re meeting your baby’s needs during a genuinely painful developmental phase, and that makes you an incredible parent.

Give the techniques in this article 5-7 days of consistent practice. Most parents see some improvement within 10-12 days. If you need more support, reach out to a lactation consultant—they’ve seen it all and can provide personalized help.

Your breastfeeding relationship can absolutely survive teething. Thousands of parents nurse babies and toddlers with mouths full of teeth without daily biting or injuries. You’ll get there too

Sources & Medical Review

This article was written based on current pediatric guidelines and reviewed using the following authoritative sources:

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – Breastfeeding After Your Baby Gets Teeth
• Mayo Clinic – Teething: Tips for Soothing Sore Gums
• La Leche League International – Breastfeeding and Teething Resources
• FDA Safety Guidelines – Teething Product Warnings
• Un Lam C, Hsu C-YS, et al. Early-life factors affect risk of pain and fever in infants during teething periods. Clinical Oral Investigations (2016).
  DOI: 10.1007/s00784-015-1658-2
• Macknin ML, Piedmonte M, Jacobs J, Skibinski C. Symptoms associated with infant teething: a prospective study. Pediatrics. 2000 Apr;105(4 Pt 1):747-52. doi: 10.1542/peds.105.4.747. PMID: 10742315

Last Updated: December 2025

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for medical decisions.