SOS: My baby is biting!

Why Does My Baby Bite? Understanding & Responding to Biting Behavior

 

 

Maybe you’ve experienced it firsthand during the last feeding, or perhaps the daycare staff mentioned it this evening, your baby is starting to bite!

Babies bite for various reasons, depending on their age, and in most cases, it’s an impulsive reaction rather than an intentional act. So why do babies bite? And how should you respond? Let’s break it down.

Why Do Babies Bite?

 

 

First and foremost, know that babies (and even older children) do not bite to intentionally cause harm. Their brains are not yet mature enough to fully grasp the consequences of their actions.

- Between 3 and 12 months – Biting is often linked to teething pain. Babies instinctively bite to relieve discomfort—something you’ll definitely notice if you’re still breastfeeding!

- Between 12 and 18 months – At this stage, biting can be triggered by strong emotions. Babies may feel overwhelmed by joy, love, frustration, or stress and express these feelings through biting.

- Around age 3 and beyond – Biting can be a response to anger, jealousy, or self-defense. However, children this age don’t yet understand their strength, so injuries remain unintentional.

How to React When Your Baby Bites

 

 

The key is to address the behavior immediately—not later in the day. If you bring it up hours after the incident, your child will struggle to connect your reaction to their action.

- Stay calm – Raising your voice or making threats may increase stress and actually encourage more biting.

- Offer teething relief – If teething is the cause, provide a teething ring (especially one that can be chilled for a soothing effect).

- Use simple, clear words – Help your child understand that biting is not an appropriate way to express emotions.

• “You can tell your cousin you don’t want to share the truck, but if you bite him, he won’t want to play with you anymore, and that might make you sad.”
• “That hurts when you bite me. It’s okay to be upset, but we do not bite.”
• Redirect emotions constructively – Encourage other ways of expressing feelings, such as words, gestures, or calming activities like a sensory jar.

Preventing Future Biting Incidents

 

 

• Identify the cause – If biting stems from stress (such as starting daycare or school), create safe spaces for open conversations. If needed, consult a child psychologist for guidance.
• Reinforce positive behavior – Praise your child when they express emotions in an appropriate way. Positive reinforcement helps clarify which behaviors are acceptable.
• Teach emotional intelligence – Books and activities centered around emotions can help toddlers recognize and manage their feelings —plus, it’s a great bonding moment!

With time, patience, and the right approach, biting will soon be a thing of the past!