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. There have been studies that were done that show about half of children attending daycares have been bitten three times per year. So biters are common.
Biting happens in many stages. The first stage is when the teeth are erupting from the gums. This is when your toddler will bite to make their gums feel better. 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.
About the time that your toddler has their first birthday is when they have their second stage of biting. They usualy bite to show some excitement. At this time when your toddler tries to bit you should respond firmly every time and it should stop almost immediately.
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. 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. It is best to acknowledge good behaviour. Another good tip is to offer something for your toddler to chew on. If you catch your toddler biting you need to immediately respond with a firm toned voice and put your toddler on a time out.
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