The Link Between Teething and Biting Behavior

17 March 2025

Teething is one of those milestones that every baby goes through, but let’s be honest—it's not always a walk in the park. If your little one has suddenly become a nibbling machine, biting anything (and anyone) within reach, you're probably wondering: Is teething the reason behind this chomping behavior?

The short answer? Yes, teething and biting go hand in hand! But why do babies bite when they’re teething, and how can you help them through this phase without turning into their personal chew toy? Let's dive deep into this stage of development, uncover the reasons behind biting behavior, and share some helpful tips to soothe your baby (and save your fingers!).

Why Do Babies Bite When Teething?

Babies aren’t biting just to be mischievous. There’s actually a logical (and developmental) reason behind this behavior.

1. Relieving Discomfort

Imagine having a constant ache in your gums with no way to scratch that itch. Sounds frustrating, right? That’s exactly how teething feels for babies! Their gums are sore, swollen, and in search of relief. Biting down on something—even if it’s your hand—provides counterpressure that temporarily soothes the discomfort.

2. Curiosity and Exploration

Babies use their mouths to explore the world. Everything they touch eventually ends up in their mouths because that’s how they learn about different textures, temperatures, and tastes. When teething kicks in, this natural instinct intensifies, leading to more biting behavior.

3. Attention-Seeking Behavior

If biting gets a strong reaction from you—like a surprised squeal or a laugh—your baby might do it again just to see what happens. They’re not trying to hurt you; they’re simply experimenting with cause and effect.

4. Frustration and Stress Relief

Teething can make babies cranky! Sometimes, biting isn’t just about soothing sore gums—it’s also a way for them to express frustration, soothe themselves, or release tension when they’re overstimulated.

When Does Biting Behavior Start?

Biting habits typically begin around the same time teething symptoms appear, usually between 4 to 7 months. However, some babies start teething earlier or later than this range.

The first teeth to erupt are usually the bottom front teeth (lower central incisors), followed by the top front teeth (upper central incisors). As more teeth come in, you might notice the biting behavior becoming more consistent—especially during the first year.

Signs That Your Baby is Teething

If you're wondering whether your baby's biting is related to teething, look for these common signs:

- Excessive drooling (hello, soaked bibs!)
- Swollen or red gums
- Increased fussiness or irritability
- Frequent chewing on hands, toys, or anything they can grab
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite (especially if sucking on a bottle hurts their gums)

If your baby is displaying these signs along with frequent biting, teething is likely the culprit.

How to Reduce Biting Behavior While Teething

While biting is a natural part of teething, it can sometimes be painful—especially if your baby turns their tiny teeth on you! Here’s how you can help:

1. Offer a Teething Toy

Teething toys are a lifesaver. They’re designed to provide relief by giving babies a safe and soothing object to chew on. Look for BPA-free silicone teething rings or chilled (not frozen) teething toys to help numb those sore gums.

2. Use a Cold Washcloth

A simple hack? Dampen a clean washcloth, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes, and hand it to your baby. The cool fabric will help soothe their gums while satisfying their urge to bite.

3. Try Teething Biscuits or Chilled Fruits

If your baby has started solids, offering teething biscuits, chilled cucumber slices, or a frozen mesh feeder with fruit can provide relief while giving them a tasty distraction.

4. Massage Their Gums

Using a clean finger, gently rub your baby’s gums in circular motions. This not only provides relief but also helps reduce inflammation.

5. Redirect Them

If your baby is biting you, firmly but gently say "No biting" and redirect their attention to a teething toy. Offering a suitable alternative helps reinforce that biting on objects is okay, but biting people is not.

6. Provide Extra Comfort and Cuddles

Teething can be rough, and sometimes all your baby needs is extra snuggles. Offering comfort through rocking, singing, or skin-to-skin contact can help ease their irritability.

What If My Baby Bites While Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding moms know the pain of a sudden bite during a nursing session (ouch!). If your baby bites while feeding, here’s what you can do:

- End the session temporarily – If biting happens, calmly remove your baby from the breast. This helps them understand that biting means feeding stops.
- Use a firm but gentle response – Say "No, that hurts" in a calm voice, so your baby associates biting with discomfort.
- Offer a teething toy before nursing – Letting your baby chew on a teething toy for a few minutes before feeding may reduce the likelihood of biting.

Remember, biting during breastfeeding is usually a short phase. With patience and consistency, your baby will learn to nurse without nipping!

When Should You Be Concerned About Biting?

Occasional biting is normal, but if your baby habitually bites others—especially in frustration or anger—it might be time to step in. Here’s what to watch for:

- Biting out of aggression rather than teething relief
- Biting frequently during playdates or interactions with others
- Getting frustrated easily when told not to bite

In these cases, gently but firmly reinforcing "no biting" and offering positive reinforcement for good behavior can help curb the habit.

Final Thoughts

Teething and biting go hand in hand, but the good news is—it’s just a phase! Your little one isn't biting to be mean; they’re simply trying to soothe their sore gums and navigate this new sensation. By offering the right tools, providing comfort, and teaching gentle boundaries, you can support your baby through teething without turning into their personal chew toy.

So, hang in there! Before you know it, those tiny chompers will be fully in, and this biting phase will be a thing of the past. Until then, keep those teething toys handy and embrace the journey—drool, bites, and all!