Just about every child has bit but whether or not they should be classified as a biter is another thing. 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 can come in different stages. The first stage is when the teeth are erupting from 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. At this time when your baby gets a negative response they will stop biting soon.
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. At this time when your toddler tries to bit you should respond firmly every time and it should stop almost immediately.
Again your toddler may start to bite around the age of two. Your toddler bites at this time to show that they want to be independent. If your toddler bits at this stage be certain that you give your child a time out and make sure that you explain that being bitten 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. It wouldn’t hurt to offer your toddler something to chew on at this stage either. 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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