Why Your Toddler Bites
Just about every child has bit but whether or not they should be classified as a biter is another thing. In daycares studies have proven that around half of the children have been bitten about three times a year. So toddlers biting is in fact a very common thing.
Biting happens in many stages. The first is when the teeth start to come out of 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 your baby tries to bite you while breast feeding quickly remove the infant and set them down in a safe place. At this time when your baby gets a negative response they will stop biting soon.
About the time that your toddler has their first birthday is when they have their second stage of biting. They usualy bite to show some excitement. Sometimes healthy cycles can help. At this time when your toddler tries to bit you should respond firmly every time and it should stop almost immediately.
At the age of two year your toddler will probably start to bite again. This is a time that your toddler wants to be independent and this is why they have started to bite again. When your toddler bites to prove that they are in control then you need to give the child a time out and explain that it hurts. It is time to teach your child the commutation skills that they are probley lacking. Occassionally healthy cycles will be helpful. After your toddler has the skills that are needed to commutate 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. Another good tip is to offer something for your toddler to chew on. Just like healthy cycles, usually. If you have caught your toddler biting the respond with a firm voice and place your toddler on a time out.