What To Do About Biting
Infants and children may bite for different reasons. Breastfed infants who are teething may rub their gums up and down the areola. This is probably an attempt to relieve the discomfort.
Older infants who already have teeth may be bored and be experimenting. Your infant may sense you are distracted or tense and that the 'let-down' reflex has not occurred.
Toddlers (approx. 1 - 3 years old) may bite as a reaction to stress or feeling helpless. Sometimes it may be in self defence when a play situation has become less friendly. Other reasons for biting include parent's expectations that children of this age will play cooperatively, frustration at not being able to get their own way, and wanting attention.
Older infants who already have teeth may be bored and be experimenting. Your infant may sense you are distracted or tense and that the 'let-down' reflex has not occurred.
Toddlers (approx. 1 - 3 years old) may bite as a reaction to stress or feeling helpless. Sometimes it may be in self defence when a play situation has become less friendly. Other reasons for biting include parent's expectations that children of this age will play cooperatively, frustration at not being able to get their own way, and wanting attention.
Infants
- a cooled teething ring may feel good to suck and chew on
- cool soft foods may encourage your child to eat
- if your infant is over four months of age, a commercial gel may be applied to soothe the discomfort of sore gums
- Breastfeeding mothers should try to find a solution to the cause of their distraction before you feed again. When biting occurs, remain calm and avoid smacking your infant. Remove your infant from the breast, saying, "No" firmly as you are doing so. Wait a few moments before offering your infant the breast again.
Toddlers
Supervise children at all times and especially if you know they are going through an anxious or stressful time
Warn other parents that your child sometimes bites
Distract your child before biting begins
Avoid the temptation to bite your child back - this only teaches your child that it is acceptable behaviour
Remain calm and remove your child from the situation
For a few moments keep your child separated from the situation that caused them to bite. Explain why biting is not acceptable.
Give extra attention to the child who has been bitten
If after re-joining the activities you child bites again, remove them from the situation for a longer period of time, e.g. 5 minutes, and occupy them with something else
It may take several episodes of biting, but your patience and persistence will be rewarded.
Supervise children at all times and especially if you know they are going through an anxious or stressful time
Warn other parents that your child sometimes bites
Distract your child before biting begins
Avoid the temptation to bite your child back - this only teaches your child that it is acceptable behaviour
Remain calm and remove your child from the situation
For a few moments keep your child separated from the situation that caused them to bite. Explain why biting is not acceptable.
Give extra attention to the child who has been bitten
If after re-joining the activities you child bites again, remove them from the situation for a longer period of time, e.g. 5 minutes, and occupy them with something else
It may take several episodes of biting, but your patience and persistence will be rewarded.