Toddlers Biting at Child Care: A Helpful Guide for Parents
Biting is one of the most common behaviors seen in toddlers, especially between the ages of 12 months and 3 years. While it can be upsetting for both parents and caregivers, biting is typically a normal part of early childhood development. Understanding why toddlers bite and how child care professionals handle the situation can provide reassurance and practical guidance.
Why Toddlers Bite:
Toddlers bite for many different reasons. Although it can feel alarming, the behavior is usually not a sign of aggression or long-term behavioral concerns.
1. Limited Communication Skills
Toddlers often lack the vocabulary needed to express how they feel. When they experience frustration, excitement, or a desire to communicate, biting may be their way of expressing themselves.
2. Teething Discomfort
During teething, gums can become swollen or uncomfortable. Biting helps relieve the pressure they feel in their mouths.
3. Sensory Exploration
Toddlers use their senses to learn about the world. Biting can simply be a form of curiosity or exploration.
4. Overstimulation or Big Emotions
Transitions, crowded environments, fatigue, and strong emotions can overwhelm toddlers. When they can’t manage those feelings, biting may happen in the moment.
5. Seeking Attention
Even negative reactions can feel rewarding when toddlers are trying to connect or communicate.
How Child Care Providers Typically Respond:
Licensed child care centers use developmentally appropriate methods to respond to biting. These strategies prioritize safety, communication, and emotional support.
Immediate Response
When biting occurs, staff typically:
● Attend to the child who was bitten
● Redirect the child who bit
● Use calm, clear language such as: “Biting hurts.”
● Document the incident for both families
No Shaming or Punishment
Because biting is normal for toddlers, caregivers do not shame or punish the child. Instead, they model gentle behavior and help children learn new skills.
Identifying Triggers
Child care professionals observe patterns to understand:
● What happened before the biting
● What emotions the child may be experiencing
● What support the child needs
These observations help prevent future incidents.
Teaching Skills
Caregivers focus on helping toddlers learn to:
● Use simple words or gestures
● Express their needs
● Engage in cooperative play
● Manage their emotions safely
Environmental Adjustments
To reduce biting, child care programs may adjust:
● The classroom layout
● Sensory activities
● Daily routines
● Transition cues
● Supervision strategies
How Parents Can Support Their Toddler at Home:
Working together with caregivers can make a big difference.
Parents can help by:
● Using simple emotion words (“You’re upset,” “You want a turn”)
● Providing safe teething toys
● Offering consistent routines and rest
● Praising gentle behaviors
● Remaining calm and consistent during biting incidents
If biting begins happening at home, sharing those patterns with your child care provider can help create a unified plan.
Is Biting a Long-Term Problem?
In most cases, no. Biting tends to decrease as toddlers develop:
● Language skills
● Social awareness
● Impulse control
● The ability to express emotions
With support from both parents and caregivers, biting usually fades as children grow.
