A Toddler’s Biting Habits Can Be Prevented

Instead of using their tongues, many 1-year-olds chew using their teeth. Here’s how to make the most of your time with your child while they are still little. A toddler’s biting habits can be prevented.

If your child is anything like mine, she’s been putting everything in her mouth since she was a baby. A baby’s ability to learn about the world around her doesn’t suddenly change when she turns one. Infants that are one year old are known for their habit of chewing on their friends’ arms or biting when breastfeeding.

And while the conditions in which children bite can vary greatly, the behavior is not malicious at this stage of their development. Find out what triggers a child’s biting behavior and how to stop a biting behavior in children.

Toddler biting is caused by a variety of factors.

As a parent, you need to know what’s behind your child’s newfound aggression. Most of the time, a child bites because of one of the following reasons. 

It teaches her about the world and broadens her perspective. Babies and young children like giving mouth sensations to objects they see or touch. It’s both a means to teach children about the world and a way to comfort them.

Biting is often used as a sort of experimentation with one’s senses.

It aids with his communication. Because a 1-year-old can’t express himself vocally, it’s difficult for a toddler to express his or her emotions. The lack of verbal skills of toddlers means that they often bite to convey their emotions, such as joy, or frustration, or boredom.

She’s in the backfield. Occasionally, she makes a good point. Perhaps another youngster tripped her, took her bottle, or tugged her hair. She lacks the self-control needed to avoid biting someone when she’s tempted to do so. This helps to explain why so many children in daycare bite each other.

Cause and effect theory is being tested by him. Why are so many toys for toddlers intended to produce noise everytime they are touched?? At this age, children are learning which behaviors elicit specific responses.

She’s completely drained. Biting is frequently the result of over excitement. So, after a period of high-intensity play, give your child some time to wind down with some quiet activities or a nap.

Stopping Your Toddler from Biting

Clearly, your 1-year-old understands that biting is a perfectly acceptable way to express irritation or perplexity. It is your responsibility to guide him away from this type of behavior. Here are a few strategies to help you stop your child from biting.

1. Get back to me as soon as possible.

Use large words and a small voice to make a huge impact. Say, “No biting!” in a firm, serious (but not threatening) voice. Biting is painful!” Afterwards, direct her to something constructive she can participate in. Although your youngster may not be able to decipher what you’re saying right now, he will in the future. First, your facial expressions and voice will speak for themselves.

2. Remind a biter to express themselves verbally.

Teach your child that she has other coping mechanisms besides biting when she is angry or sad. Her response may be as simple as “I don’t want to” or as complex as “help me.”

3. Reassure him of your understanding of his emotions.

By expressing something like, “I know how it feels when someone removes your toy!” There is a way to demonstrate to him that you understand what he’s going through. It’s common for children to be soothed by a hard hug.

4. Make a point of spotting potential triggers.

Purchasing a second copy of a popular toy can stop your youngster in his tracks if you catch him showing his teeth while another child plays with it.

5. Observe your dog’s bites carefully.

Sure, you’d rather spend your time at playgroup mingling with your friends than playing kiddie cop. However, you must always be one step ahead of your child, ready to block her next bite. When it comes to toys that can stoke conflict, you should also get rid of them.

6. Using a washcloth as a substitute for biting is a good idea.

When he’s angry or agitated, a youngster who bites can be taught to chew on his washcloth instead of a playmate or parent.

7. Don’t neglect her when she’s going through a bad patch of time.

A child’s habit of biting may sometimes be a sign of a tough adjustment. Even the most resilient child might be rattled by life transitions like weaning, moving, or the arrival of a new sibling. Biting can be curbed with a little more care from Mom or Dad.

8. Set a positive example for others to follow.

Consider yourself a good socializing role model for your children. Make sure you don’t bite her fingers or arm as a form of play. A mixed message is being sent by her actions, and she may copy them in the future with other children.

9. Remember that biting isn’t personal, even if it’s a hot-button topic for parents.

When you bite, you’re sending a message with your teeth. If you respond to your child’s biting, in the same way, every time, you’ll soon discover that the only message he’s conveying with his choppers is a smile.

Helpful related articles: BITING, Disciplining Your Young Child, Holding Breath Spells