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Baby Development

Could my baby be teething, and how do I handle itchy gums and biting?

Community parents describe increased finger-sucking, drooling, and crankiness as common teething signs and offer practical tips like teethers and a calm, non-dramatic 'no' for biting, while strongly cautioning against putting breast milk in the ears.

💡Quick Answer

  • •Increased finger-sucking, drooling, and crankiness can signal teething
  • •Offer a clean teether for sore gums
  • •Never put breast milk in the ears
  • •For biting, give a calm 'no' and briefly remove from the breast
  • •See a pediatrician if crying or symptoms persist

⚠️ Caution:Do not put breast milk or any liquid in a baby's ears. For itchy ears or wax, and for persistent crankiness or any ear-drop use, consult your pediatrician rather than self-treating.

🤔What Parents Worry About

Parents worry about how to soothe a baby with itchy gums or ears and whether biting is a behavioral problem. The community shares gentle teethers, massage, and calm responses to biting, while firmly warning against putting breast milk in the ears and steering anything ear-related toward a doctor.

Community Answers from Moms(4)

Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.

  1. 1

    For itchy gums you can give a teether; a big NO to putting breast milk in the ears. Itchy ears might be due to wax - some parents used Soliwax drops (2 drops twice a day for 3 days) and then cleaned the wax with a cotton bud.

  2. 2

    Increased finger-sucking and crankiness in a 6-month-old could be teething or a growth spurt; a baby oil body massage pressing the legs and arms, plus colic aid, can soothe, and check with a pediatrician if crying continues.

  3. 3

    For biting during feeding, immediately say a clear but calm 'no' and remove the baby from the breast for about 15 minutes, then try again - it can work quickly. Don't react dramatically, or the baby associates biting with a fun reaction.

  4. 4

    Drooling and a chewing face can accompany teething.

About These Answers

The information shared on this page comes from real experiences of mothers in our community. While we strive to provide helpful insights, this content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician, healthcare provider, or other qualified medical professional for any questions regarding your child's health or development.

Last reviewed: June 17, 2026

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Could my baby be teething, and how do I handle itchy gums and biting? | Real Mom Answers | Mom Insider