Toddler biting – why does my child like to bite?

Toddler biting refers to the act of a child between the ages of one and three years old using their teeth to bite or clamp down on objects, people, or other animals. This behavior is common in young children as they develop their motor skills, learn about their surroundings, and experiment with new experiences. While biting is a normal part of a toddler’s development, it can still be painful and disruptive, and it is important for parents and caregivers to intervene in a safe and effective manner to help prevent it from continuing.

Causes of toddler bite

Toddler biting can have a variety of causes, including:

1. Teething: Teething can cause discomfort and pain in a toddler’s gums, leading them to bite as a form of relief.
2. Exploration: Biting can be a way for toddlers to explore and learn about the world around them.
3. Emotional reasons: Toddlers may bite as a way to express frustration, anger, or to get attention.
4. Communication: If a toddler is unable to communicate their needs or desires through speech, they may resort to biting to express themselves.
5. Imitation: Toddlers may bite if they see other children or animals biting.
6. Asserting control: Biting can be a way for toddlers to assert their independence and control over their environment.
7. Overstimulation: When toddlers become overwhelmed or overstimulated, biting can be a way for them to cope with their emotions.

Why toddler bite?

Toddlers bite for various reasons such as:

1. They are teething and their gums are sore. Biting provides relief.
2. They are exploring their environment and biting is a way to experience new textures and tastes.
3. They may be expressing frustration, anger, or a desire for attention.
4. They may be trying to communicate a need or desire they are unable to express verbally.
5. They may be imitating behavior they have seen others display.
6. Biting may also be a way for a toddler to assert their independence and control over their environment.

So, how should I prevent toddler bite?

Here are some tips for preventing toddler biting:

1. Supervise playtime: Watch your toddler during playtime to ensure they are not biting others.
2. Teach alternative behavior: Show your toddler appropriate ways to express their feelings, such as using words to ask for help or to express frustration.
3. Provide oral stimulation: Offer your toddler teething toys or other safe objects to bite on to help satisfy their urge to bite.
4. Respond consistently: When your toddler bites, respond consistently and firmly by saying “No biting” and removing them from the situation.
5. Ignore attention-seeking behavior: If your toddler is biting to get attention, it’s important to not give them attention when they are biting, but give them positive attention when they are not.
6. Model positive behavior: Children learn by imitating others, so make sure you are modeling the behavior you want your toddler to exhibit.
7. Manage stress: Reduce stress in your toddler’s life by creating a predictable routine and providing them with plenty of positive attention and affection.