Every toddler has bit or has been bitten but if you have a child that has bit it dosn’t mean that they are a biter. In daycares studies have proven that around half of the children have been bitten about three times a year. So biters are common.
Biting happens in many stages. The first is when the teeth start to come out of the gums. Your child will want to bite to sooth the discomfort of the swollen gums. This should be done on a rattle or a teething ring. If while breastfeeding your baby tries to bite, remove your baby and set them down in a safe spot. When an infant gets a negative response from their mother they will soon stop biting.
Around the time that your toddler celebrates their first birthday is when they may experiment with biting again. They may bite to show their excitement. Sometimes healthy cycles can help. When this stage that they are going through your toddler may try to bite you be certain that your respond firmly each and every time and the biting should stop.
At the age of two year your toddler will probably start to bite again. Your toddler bites at this time to show that they want to be independent. When your toddler bites to prove that they are in control then you need to give the child a time out and explain that it hurts. Teach your toddler commutation skills that they may be lacking. Occassionally stable routines will be helpful. When your toddler has the skills that are needed the biting should stop.
Be sure to watch your toddler closely if they are going through a biting phase. The best thing to do at this stage is to acknowledge the good behaviour. It wouldn’t hurt to offer your toddler something to chew on at this stage either. Just like normal cycles, usually. If you have caught your toddler biting the respond with a firm voice and place your toddler on a time out.