How to Fix a Toddler's Latch

Although many breastfeeding mothers choose to wean their babies during infancy, there are numerous advantages to continuing breastfeeding into the toddler years, including fewer illnesses, fewer allergies and better nutrition. The World Health Organization recommends that children should be breastfed at least until age 2. However, even toddlers who have been breastfed since birth can suddenly develop a bad or painful latch as their eating and nursing habits change. Pain while breastfeeding a toddler isn't necessarily an indication to wean; you can usually fix the problem by adjusting the toddler's latch.

Instructions

1

Choose a good position. As with a baby, it is easiest to get a good latch if you and your child are facing each other. Some toddlers latch best while lying down on their sides facing their mother; others do better while sitting upright in Mom's lap. You can also hold your child in a cradle or football hold while sitting on a couch or large chair. Experiment with different positions to find the one that best helps your toddler latch properly.

2

Remind your child to open his mouth wide and stick his tongue out before latching on. This helps him get a good latch that uses his tongue and the roof of his mouth instead of his teeth. Before you offer the breast, tell him that he must open his mouth wide and nurse gently. Warn him that you will unlatch and try again if he breastfeeds in a way that hurts you.

3

Offer your toddler the breast and examine her latch. Both her lips should be flared out, and her lower lip should completely cover the areola. Her mouth should extend over at least 1 1/2 inches of the breast. Your child's jaw should move as she sucks. You should not be able to feel her teeth.

4

Unlatch by breaking the suction with your finger if you feel any pain and try to determine the cause of the pain. If you feel a pulling or shooting pain, encourage your toddler to open his mouth even wider and help him direct mouth as he latches on so that his lower lip latches onto the bottom of your areola. If you felt his teeth while he was latched on, remind him he should use his tongue and the roof of his mouth, not his teeth. Repeat steps 1 through 3 until you are comfortable.