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Why Do Toddlers Bite? Understanding a Common Childhood Behavior
- Leap N Learn
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 13
Hearing that your toddler bit another child can be upsetting. Whether your child is the one doing the biting or the one who was bitten, it's completely normal to have questions and concerns.
The good news is this: biting is a common developmental behavior in toddlers. While it certainly isn't acceptable behavior, it also doesn't automatically mean a child is aggressive, mean, or destined to become a bully. In most cases, biting is simply a sign that a young child is still learning how to communicate and regulate big emotions.
At Leap N Learn Childcare Center, we understand that biting can be challenging for families. Our goal is always to respond calmly, consistently, and compassionately while helping children learn healthier ways to express themselves.
Why Do Toddlers Bite?
Toddlers are still developing language, emotional regulation, and social skills. Because they don't always have the words to express their feelings, biting can become a quick way to communicate.
Some of the most common reasons toddlers bite include:
Frustration when they can't communicate what they want
Teething discomfort
Feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated
Excitement during play
Defending a toy or personal space
Seeking attention
Curiosity and exploring cause and effect
Research has found that biting is especially common between 13 and 30 months of age, when communication skills are still developing.
Is Biting Normal?
Yes. While biting should always be addressed, it is considered a typical developmental behavior for many toddlers.
Young children are still learning to:
Express emotions with words
Wait their turn
Share with others
Handle disappointment
Solve conflicts
Control impulses
As these skills improve, biting usually decreases naturally.
What Should Parents Do?
If your toddler bites, try to stay calm. Big reactions can sometimes reinforce the behavior by giving it extra attention.
Instead:
Respond immediately with a calm, firm statement like, "Biting hurts. We do not bite."
Comfort the child who was bitten first.
Help your child identify their feelings.
Teach simple phrases like "My turn," "Stop," or "Help please."
Redirect your child toward an appropriate activity.
Watch for patterns that may trigger biting, such as fatigue, hunger, or transitions.
Consistency is one of the most effective tools for reducing biting behavior.
How We Handle Biting at Leap N Learn
At Leap N Learn, the safety of every child is our highest priority.
When a biting incident occurs, our teachers:
Respond immediately to keep everyone safe.
Comfort and care for the child who was bitten.
Redirect the child who bit using calm, age-appropriate guidance.
Observe for patterns or triggers.
Work closely with families to develop consistent strategies both at school and at home.
Every child is unique, and we believe teamwork between teachers and parents is the best way to support positive behavior.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Most toddlers outgrow biting as their communication and self-regulation skills develop.
However, it may be worth discussing with your child's pediatrician if:
Biting continues well beyond the toddler years.
Biting becomes frequent or severe.
Your child seems unable to respond to consistent guidance.
Biting is accompanied by other developmental concerns, such as significant speech delays or difficulty interacting with others.
Early support can make a big difference if additional help is needed.
Remember: Your Child Isn't "Bad"
Parents often feel embarrassed when their child bites, but it's important to remember that this behavior is usually developmental, not intentional.
Toddlers are learning every day. With patience, consistency, and supportive adults, most children quickly develop healthier ways to express their needs.
At Leap N Learn Childcare Center in Saco, we partner with families to guide children through every stage of development—including the challenging ones. Together, we help children build the social and emotional skills they'll carry with them for years to come.
Learn More
For additional information about toddler biting and child development, visit:
Stanford Medicine Children's Health – Why Children Bite: https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=why-children-bite-90-P02860
Cleveland Clinic – Why Is My Toddler Biting and How Can I Stop It?: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/young-children-and-biting
Nationwide Children's Hospital – Why Your Toddler Is Biting and Hitting: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2014/11/why-your-toddler-is-biting-and-hitting
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