Is it normal….
for my toddler to bite?
As toddlers learn to test their limits, they may act out in certain ways. After all, they don’t call them the terrible two’s for nothing. Occasionally, toddlers may have a tantrum, kick, or even bite. In fact, studies show that biting is common among young children. Nevertheless, parents of toddlers who have been labelled biters may suddenly feel very isolated. They may be shamed out of nursery by other parents. Fortunately, there are several ways parents can get to the root of their toddler's biting habit and help put an end to this unwanted behaviour.
Why do some toddlers bite?
Biting is a normal part of childhood and a way for young children to test limits or express their feelings. Many children show signs of this behaviour as early as their first birthday and usually stop biting around 3 years of age.
Among the most common reasons why toddlers bite:
Attention. If toddlers are not getting enough interaction, biting is a quick way to gain attention (even if it’s negative attention).
Teething. Babies begin teething around 5 months of age. Biting on objects or even people can help ease the discomfort associated with tender, swollen gums.
Exploration. Babies and toddlers learn through their senses, which is one reason why everything seems to end up in their mouths. This process of mouthing, however, is very different from deliberate biting.
Imitation. Some toddlers who have seen another child bite may decide to try it themselves. Additionally, exposure to violence or harsh discipline may also cause a child to bite.
In most cases, toddlers bite because their language skills are still developing and it’s simply another way to express how they are feeling. Unable to quickly form the words they need to convey their thoughts, very young children may resort to biting as a way of saying, “Stop that!” or “I need some attention!”
What do you do if your toddler bites?
As soon as a bite occurs, parents or caregivers should take the following steps:
Attend to the victim. Parents should first direct their attention to the person who has been bitten. Toddlers often bite to receive attention. By comforting the victim first, parents will be taking the first step in curbing the negative behaviour.
Be firm and calm. Parents should respond to the behaviour with a firm, “No biting!” Keep it very simple and easy to understand. By staying as calm as possible, parents will be able to resolve the situation more quickly.
Redirect. Bites often occur when emotions and energy levels are running high, or if boredom has set in. When this happens, parents should intervene and help toddles re-focus their attention on a positive activity.
Over time, parents can reinforce the no biting rule by following these steps:
Check for patterns. The best way to get to the root of a biting habit is to look for patterns or clues as to how, when, and why a child bites. For example, toddlers who only bite at day care may be reacting to the discomfort they feel in a chaotic setting. Once triggers are identified, parents or caregivers can take steps to make their child more comfortable so they don’t feel the urge to bite.
Use positive reinforcement. By praising children for good behaviour, they may not feel the need to seek negative attention and bite.
Look ahead. Anxiety can cause children to act out. As a result, toddlers may be less likely to bite if they know what their day will be like and what to expect in new or high-energy situations.
Use sign language. As a child’s language skills develop, parents and caregivers can teach their children a few simple signs to help them communicate. Offering toddlers alternative ways to express themselves can help reduce their frustration and urge to bite.
Keep in mind it's common for toddlers ages 1–3 years old to bite or go through a biting phase. At First Steps we will always work with parents to help combat any difficult behaviours. We will always be honest and truthful about a child’s day and ensure you hear the good and the not so good. Like us adults, children have both good and bad days.