Biting is when a young child bites another person out of excitement, frustration, teething discomfort or not yet having the words to express themselves. It is most common between about 1 and 3 years and usually fades as language develops.
What you can do
- Stay calm and say firmly, "No biting. Biting hurts."
- Comfort the child who was bitten first.
- Notice patterns, such as tiredness or crowded play, and step in early.
- Offer words for feelings and a teether if teeth are coming through.
When to talk to your doctor
Talk to your doctor if biting continues past preschool age, is very frequent, or comes with other concerns about development or behaviour. A bite that breaks the skin should be cleaned and checked by a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
No. It teaches that biting is acceptable and can make it worse.