Biting

Topic Overview

Is it normal for a child to bite?

Most children younger than age 3 bite someone else at least once. Most children stop biting on their own; biting that persists past age 3 or occurs frequently at any age may need treatment. Biting is not always intentional and rarely causes serious injury to another person or poses any health risks.

Why do children bite?

Children bite for different reasons, depending on their age.

• Between 5 and 7 months of age, children usually bite other people when they feel discomfort around their mouths or when they are in pain caused by teething. Most often they bite their caregivers. Sometimes young babies bite their mother while breast-feeding. Children of this age learn not to bite as they see and hear the reaction of the person they have bitten.
• Between 8 and 14 months of age, children usually bite other people when they are excited. Most often they bite a caregiver or another child close to them. A firm "no" usually stops these children from biting again.
• Between 15 and 36 months of age, children may bite other people when they are frustrated or want power or control over another person. Usually they bite other children; less frequently they bite their caregivers. Children of this age usually stop biting as they learn that biting is not acceptable behaviour.
• After age 3, children usually bite when they feel powerless or scared, such as when they are losing a fight or think that they are going to be hurt by another person. Children older than 3 who frequently bite other people may need to be seen by a health professional. This type of biting may be a sign that a child has problems with expressing feelings or self-control.

When is my child most likely to bite another child?

Biting occurs in a variety of situations, most often when many children are together. Human bites are a common injury at daycare centres, but most bites do not cause injury or break the skin. Most biting can be prevented with proper supervision that includes helping children express their feelings appropriately.

A child of any age who frequently bites other children may need special arrangements for day care. Parents may be asked to transfer their child out of a centre when biting becomes a continual problem. The child may need to attend a child care centre with staff who are skilled in dealing with children who bite.

Can biting be a sign of a more serious problem?

Biting in young children usually does not lead to behaviour problems at a later age. However, children who persistently bite and show other aggressive behaviours, especially if they are older than age 3, may have other health or emotional issues. These children should be seen by a health professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about biting:	Is biting normal behaviour for a child? Why do children bite? How do I know when biting indicates a more serious problem? Can a bite from a child be dangerous?
Seeing a doctor:	When should I see a health professional about my child's biting?
Ongoing concerns:	How should I react when my child bites? How can I reduce biting in babies who may be teething? How can I reduce biting in children 8 to 14 months old? How can I reduce biting in children 15 to 36 months old?

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Author:	Amy Fackler, MA Carrie Henley	Last Updated: June 26, 2006
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
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