Most children under the age of 3 have bitten someone else once. Children usually stop biting on their own. Biting that occurs after 3 years  and occur frequently may need treatment .

Why do children bite ?

Children bite for different reasons depending on their age

•  5 to 7 months : Children bite when they feel uncomfortable around their mouths such as when they are teething. They usually bite their caregivers and sometimes bite their mothers during breastfeeding
• 8 to 14 months of age : Children bite when they’re excited. They usually bite the caregiver or a child closer to them
• 15 to 36 months :  They bite when they are frustrated or want power or control over another person. They usually bite other children and bite caregivers less often
• after  3 years:  When they lose a fight. At this age when a child bites, it is a sign that the child has problems with expressing her feelings or self control

Can biting be a  sign of a more serious condition?

Children who bite more often and aggressively especially after the age of 3 may have health problems or behavioral issues. These children need to be seen by the doctor.

When is a chid most likely to bite ?

Biting usually occurs when children are close together such as as  day  care. Most biting can be prevented when children are taught different ways to express their feelings. If a child has an ongoing biting problem at daycare, the parent may be asked to take the child out .

What you can do about your child’s biting

You cannot prevent all biting . However you can reduce the risk depending on the child’s age and the reason for biting.

• giving teething babies teething rings or a frozen wash cloth to chew on
• children around the age of 8 to 14 months arent usually aware that biting hurts. If your child bites you or someone else, react with a firm voice like No , you shouldnt bite .
• You  can help children ages 15 months to 36 months to find better ways of expressing themselves such as using words to tell people they  are angry than biting

It is important to know that signs that indicate that your child is about to bite. In this case you can  stop the biting by distracting or redirecting the child.

You should also encourage and praise your child when she shows good behavior such as being kind , sharing or being patient. You can reward the child with a hug or pat on the back and let her  know you’re proud of them.

You also have to be a role model to your child. Avoid angry outburst and  try to deal calmly with frustrating situations. When a child bites

• don’t bite back to show how it feels
• don’t use physical punishment such as slapping or pinching