Agustina F Harvey
11/14/22
“Understanding Toddler Biting”
What does it mean? Toddlers often exhibit certain behaviors as they learn to test their limits. The “terrible twos” label exists for a reason; during this stage, toddlers may throw tantrums, kick, or even bite. Parents of toddlers who bite may feel isolated and pressured to withdraw their child from daycare or avoid playgroups. Fortunately, there are effective strategies for parents to identify the reasons behind their toddler’s biting and to address it.
Why do toddlers bite? Biting is a typical behavior in young children, allowing them to express emotions or test boundaries. Many children start biting before their first birthday and usually stop by age three.
Common reasons toddlers bite include:
- Attention: Biting can be a quick way for toddlers to gain attention, even if it’s negative, especially if they feel neglected.
- Teething: Teething begins around five months, and biting can relieve discomfort from sore gums.
- Exploration: Young children learn through their senses, often putting objects in their mouths. However, biting is a more intentional action than simple mouthing.
- Imitation: Some toddlers may bite after observing another child doing so.
What to do if your toddler bites? When a biting incident occurs, parents or caregivers should:
- Focus on the child who was bitten first. Since toddlers often bite for attention, comforting the victim can help reduce the negative behavior. Clean the bitten area with soap and water.
Take care of the victim.
- Address the behavior with a clear “No biting!” Keep the message simple and direct. Staying calm will help parents manage the situation more effectively.
Be firm but calm.
- Biting often happens when emotions run high or boredom sets in. Parents should intervene and help redirect the child’s focus to a positive activity.
Redirect.
Over time, parents can reinforce the no-biting rule by:
- Looking for patterns: Identify when, how, and why the biting occurs. For example, if a child bites only at daycare, it may indicate anxiety in a busy environment. Once triggers are recognized, parents can help their child feel more secure.
- Using positive reinforcement: Praise children for good behavior to reduce their need for negative attention.
- Preparing for transitions: Anxious children may act out. Preparing toddlers for their day and what to expect in new or stressful situations can help reduce biting.
It’s important to remember that biting is common among toddlers aged one to three. However, persistent biting and aggression may indicate a more serious developmental issue.
Frequent biting and aggressive behavior
If a toddler’s biting becomes excessive or continues despite intervention, parents should consult their pediatrician to rule out underlying issues such as expressive speech delays, sensory processing disorders, or autism spectrum disorder.
Expressive speech delays affect about 10% of toddlers. These children understand language but may struggle to develop their vocabulary at the same pace as their peers. For instance, toddlers typically grow from knowing fewer than 10 words to around 400 by age three and begin forming complete sentences. Children who cannot express their frustrations verbally may resort to biting. Fortunately, early intervention from a speech therapist can often resolve expressive speech delays.
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) can lead toddlers to bite as a way to communicate discomfort in certain situations. SPD can affect children from infancy through adolescence, causing them to have heightened or diminished sensitivity to sensory stimuli. For example, a child with auditory sensitivities may find loud environments overwhelming. Qualified healthcare professionals can provide tailored coping strategies for children with SPD.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a range of challenges related to social skills, communication, and behavior. Biting may indicate a broader issue rather than an isolated incident. Parents of autistic children often notice developmental delays or a lack of skills between 15 and 18 months. These children may struggle to communicate without specialized support.
If your child frequently bites or has difficulty breaking the habit, your pediatrician may refer you to a behavioral specialist. This expert can help identify effective strategies for teaching your child to express and manage their emotions.
Resource: Babygoru