A one-year-old baby bites hard whenever breastfeeding.
Dec 06, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
A one-year-old baby who bites forcefully while breastfeeding may be experiencing teething, insufficient milk supply, oral thrush, or other causes. Usually, treatment should be tailored according to the specific condition of the baby. In most cases, biting during breastfeeding at this age does not require treatment, as it is a normal physiological phenomenon associated with emerging teeth. Additionally, it's important to timely supplement the baby with vitamin D and calcium to support faster tooth development.
A one-year-old baby who bites forcefully while breastfeeding may be experiencing this due to teething, insufficient milk supply, oral thrush, or other reasons. Appropriate treatment usually depends on the specific underlying cause.
1. Teething: If a one-year-old bites during breastfeeding, it generally does not require treatment, as this is a normal physiological phenomenon associated with emerging teeth. Using a nipple shield during feeding can help prevent biting, and providing teething toys or teething biscuits may also be beneficial.
2. Insufficient Milk Supply: When milk supply is low, the baby may suck harder in an attempt to obtain milk, which can lead to biting if milk flow is inadequate. This situation typically does not require medical treatment. Increasing milk production through breast massage or lactation techniques, along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for a one-year-old, can help resolve the issue.
3. Oral Thrush: Oral thrush is caused by a fungal infection from Candida albicans, resulting in white patches on the oral mucosa. Babies may experience pain, irritability, poor appetite, crying, difficulty nursing, and biting behavior. Biting during breastfeeding in a one-year-old could be a sign of oral thrush. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as amoxicillin granules or vitamin C tablets may be administered. Additionally, taking the child to the hospital for professional oral disinfection may be necessary.
In addition, it's important to ensure timely supplementation of vitamin D and calcium for the baby to support healthy tooth development.
