1.1: Biting Fact Sheet
- Page ID
- 40935
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Biting Fact Sheet
For Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
Biting is a common and sometimes challenging behavior in young children. While it can be frustrating for parents and caregivers, it is important to understand that biting is often a natural part of child development. With proper strategies, most children outgrow this phase.
Why Do Children Bite?
- Infants: Biting is often linked to teething and sensory exploration. Babies use their mouths to explore their environment.
- Toddlers: Toddlers may bite out of frustration as they develop language and social skills, or as a way to seek attention.
- Preschoolers: Biting becomes less common, but can still occur to express emotions like anger, stress, or difficulty sharing.
Common Triggers and Contributing Factors
- Teething: Sore gums make biting soothing.
- Exploration: Babies explore textures and objects by mouthing or biting them.
- Frustration and Anger: Toddlers may bite when words are unavailable to express feelings.
- Overstimulation: Noisy or crowded environments may trigger biting.
- Attention-Seeking: Some children bite to get a reaction from adults or peers.
- Lack of Social Skills: Young children may not yet understand how their actions affect others.
Prevention Strategies
- Observe patterns and identify triggers.
- Provide teething toys for infants.
- Model language for expressing emotions, such as “I’m upset” or “I need help.”
- Establish predictable routines to avoid overstimulation.
- Supervise social interactions closely to intervene early.
- Use positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate behaviors.
How to Respond to Biting Incidents
- Stay calm and neutral to avoid reinforcing the behavior.
- Use clear language: “Biting hurts. We don’t bite.”
- Redirect behavior by offering a teething toy or teaching words to express feelings.
- Comfort the child who was bitten and acknowledge their feelings.
- Teach empathy by explaining how biting affects others: “It made your friend sad.”
- Document the incident and inform parents or caregivers as needed.
Administering First Aid
- Clean the Wound: Wash with soap and water if the skin is broken.
- Apply a Cold Compress: Use an ice pack or cold cloth to reduce swelling.
- Monitor for Infection: Look for redness, swelling, or fever and seek medical attention if needed.
- Provide Comfort: Reassure the child who was bitten and help them feel safe.
Strategies for Ongoing Biting Behaviors
- Create a behavior plan with caregivers and teachers.
- Log biting incidents to identify patterns and triggers.
- Teach problem-solving skills to resolve conflicts peacefully.
- Use visual aids like picture charts to reinforce positive behavior.
- Seek professional help if biting becomes severe or persistent.
When to Seek Additional Help
- If biting becomes frequent and severe.
- If the child does not outgrow biting by the preschool years.
- If biting is associated with other concerning behaviors, such as aggression or anxiety.
Resources for Parents and Caregivers
- Provide access to books and articles on child behavior and development.
- Encourage participation in parenting workshops or support groups.
- Maintain open communication with caregivers to ensure consistent strategies.
Need More Information?
For further guidance or resources, please contact your child's teacher, childcare provider, or program administrator.