Biting

What is biting?

An infant or toddler biting other children or adults is a relatively normal part of growing up. While not acceptable, it can be a way for your child to seek attention, express frustration, or soothe aching gums. It’s important to teach your child early on that biting is not allowed. If your child bites uncontrollable, and/or past the age of three, you should seek help from doctor.

What causes biting?

Depending on the age of your child, biting can occur for a variety of reasons. Here are a few examples of why children bite:

• experimental biting occurs as a way for infants and toddlers to explore 
• pain-relieving biting is prevalent among babies who are teething and experiencing discomfort
• frustration biting often shows up when young children are unable to cope with a situation
• powerless biting can happen when a child, such as a younger sibling, is feeling powerless.
• stressful biting is done when an emotionally stressed child is upset or angry

Is biting common?

Anyone with a child under the age of 3 will probably experience some form of biting at one point or another. In fact, it is the most common reason children are expelled from daycare. Frequent biting, or biting when your child is over three is worrisome and should discussed with your doctor.

Can biting be a sign of a bigger issue?

While biting is a normal part of development, it can also indicate other health or emotional problems. Frequent biting, or biting when your child is over 3 is worrisome. You should consult your doctor if the following are true:

• biting is uncontrollable
• biting occurs after children three or older
• biting injures others
• biting occurs for no reason at all