Biting is a common behavior in young children, especially toddlers and preschoolers. While it can be frustrating and concerning, it is often a normal part of development. Here’s what you need to know and how to help your child if they are biting.

Why Do Preschoolers Bite?

Children bite for different reasons, including:

  • Exploration: Young children use their mouths to explore the world.
  • Teething: Sore gums can make children want to bite.
  • Frustration or Anger: They may not have coping mechanisms or emotional regulation.
  • Communication: Unable to express their wants, needs, or feeling with words.
  • Attention-Seeking: Biting may get a big reaction from adults or peers.
  • Overstimulation: Some children bite when they are overwhelmed.
  • Imitation: They may see another child bite and copy the behavior

When is Biting Typical Behavior?

Age 3 and under biting is normal behavior but should decrease as children learn to use words and other ways to express themselves as they get closer to age 3. By age 3 to 4, most children have learned to handle their emotions without biting. If biting continues past this age, it may be a sign that they need extra support.

How to Stop Biting

If your child bites, try these steps:

  • Offering a teething toy or sour or chewy snack.
  • Practice deep breaths or a calm-down technique together.
  • Model words they can use instead, like “I need help” or “I feel mad.”
  • Removing them from an overwhelming situation.

How to Redirect Biting Behavior

If you notice that your child is about to bite, try:

  • Exploration: Young children use their mouths to explore the world.
  • Teething: Sore gums can make children want to bite.
  • Frustration or Anger: They may not have coping mechanisms or emotional regulation.
  • Communication: Unable to express their wants, needs, or feeling with words.
  • Attention-Seeking: Biting may get a big reaction from adults or peers.
  • Overstimulation: Some children bite when they are overwhelmed.
  • Imitation: They may see another child bite and copy the behavior

When to Seek Help

Biting can be stressful, but with patience and guidance, most children grow out of it. By teaching healthy ways to express emotions, you can help your child communicate and interact positively with others. If your child bites frequently after age 3, seems overly aggressive, or bites out of extreme frustration, talk to a pediatrician or call Milemarkers Therapy at 928-854-5439 to schedule a free screening with an occupational therapist.