What To Do When Your Child Bites To Actually Get Them to Stop

When your baby or toddler first bites you, a family member, or another child, the way you respond to that behavior has a huge impact on whether it continues or not.

Surprisingly, some things we naturally do when our child bites actually causes them to continue to do it, rather than stopping it.

So what should you do? That's what you'll learn in this video - how to respond when you've got a baby or toddler biting you or others.

It's normal for young children to bite at some stage in their lives. Generally they bite because it's an effective way to get interaction or attention from a peer or adult. It's actually a very effective way to do that.

Once we understand why they bite, the good news is there are some simple strategies you can use in response to biting that will indicate to your child that it's not ok. It's also important to note that that these aren't harsh, and don't involve yelling or physical forms of discipline. But they are highly effective at stopping toddler biting (and babies - any age really).

If you're struggling with toddler biting, or biting at any age, this video will help!

✅ Get your free 0 - 12 months old developmental milestone chart here:

#emmahubbard #babydevelopment #toddlerbiting

Disclaimer:
The content on this channel is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

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[EmmaHubbard]

Thanks for watching! When does your little one bite or has your little one bitten you or someone else?

[anncoxwell]

I start with “biting is not okay” then go on to the other statements. I also end with “biting is not okay”. Repetition is key with little people.

[manehbag]

Ughhhh it always involves us staying calm! Sooo hard! 😭🤣

[jewlenefinch]

The only channel to explain how to get them to stop in detail, and I’ve been searching for an hour. Thank you ☺️! This was very informative and helpful!

[Fverheijden]

I am a mom for the first time. Your videos really help me. Glad I discovered you on time. My parenting is more effective and loving. Thanks!

[daytonapeanut]

So how does this work in a daycare setting? I've worked in daycares where we had biters, but they weren't having any emotional meltdowns. They just seemed to have done it because they felt like it. How do you approach them about what feelings they're experiencing if they're perfectly calm? Also, how does the removal method work in a classroom setting? Finally what about the younger ones who aren't yet capable of having the "no biting" discussion you described?

[mariageorge]

Emma, I've learned so much from you, and as a result my toddler is a lot happier, and gets over his tantrums quicker. Thank you!

[LoonyYunie]

Thank you so much for this, I've watched several of your videos now and I am so grateful to be learning how to be a better parent (and actually a better person when it comes to communicating with others no matter their age) because of the helpful information you provide. Your videos are informative, consice, and very well put together. I appreciate the effort you put in to making these videos because you're helping others to be better versions of themselves. Thanks again!

[Mowingman]

"Doing physical punishment does not stop biting behavior"

I had an experience with my two year old, he started biting his mum, i came home after work and heard my wife sobbing, i asked what was wrong then she showed me two fresh bite mark on her waist, I asked how long ago it happened, she said about 10 sec ago, so i calmly picked up my kid, we had an eye contact then flicked his mouth, my son was shocked, then I said, mouth not for biting, its for food, he cried, i repeated mouth not for biting, its for eating food.. then repeated, not for biting, for eating. . .(and my son finished the sentence) food.

I feel really bad that i resorted to it but i am glad he never bit again and avoided hurting other kids.
My logic is probably flawed but i thought, this toddlers don't understand words fully yet so I had to make a quick connection that he can figure out, (especially with cases where its repeated and potentially can harm other toddler around him)

biting = pain in my mouth

He has long forgotten about it but I will ask an apology again when he is old enough to really understand an apology.

This video have great information, and wished ive seen it before, but we are planning to have more kids so i think i am better equipped next time. :)

[AussieAngeS]

Biting and smacking is happening right now with my almost 19 month old. He gets upset and snacks me when he has mini tantrums. Thank you for this video Emma, much appreciated.

[becca]

Sooo awesome to see you teaching emotion coaching! I read the research on how great it is, and it helps me to see applications to toddlers

[cesiacarranza]

I REALLY NEEDED THIS, THANK YOU DEAR EMMA!!!!

[Imani_Aaliyah__]

I appreciate this very much. I work for a childcare facility and I’m finding it almost impossible to stop the children from biting one another. I feel defeated, overwhelmed and honestly drained.

Thank you, hopefully this (and a conversation with my supervisors) will do the trick!

[katersization]

If your kiddo is mid clamp squeeze their cheeks inward. You’ll find just the amount of pressure to make them let go. Same with grabbing hair. Press their hand into your scalp so their hand flattens. Neither move needs excessive force.

[grotsk]

Great video! My 2 year old pulls my hair, then when I thought things were getting better he started pulling his own when mad. Thank you for the tips, I will put some to practice ASAP. :)

[sindhujamenon]

Oh god!! Once again right on time. This lady is reading my mind, so grateful to you Emma.

[lynn]

I give more attention and condolences to the child that was hit/bitten. Seems to help discourage the bad behavior when they know it won't bring too much attention upon themselves but to someone else.

[sahriestar]

My toddler was biting like a cat would... despite having never been bitten by a cat.
I'm glad it seems to have been short lived & was right before a big leap in vocabulary.

[deborahmontgomery]

Wow!!! Our babysitter told us yesterday that Bubs tried to bite another kids finger. So perfect timing!

[btanna]

Can't believe, I have to check on myself every week with you on the new tantrums my toddler is throwing. It's scratching for now but I get the point. Thank you for these awesome videos!