First things first: biting is common, especially between ages 1 and 3, when children are still mastering language, self regulation, and social skills. In fact, research shows that
30–50% of toddlers in group care will bite or be bitten at some point. Biting doesn’t mean a child is aggressive or “bad”—it’s how young children express needs they can’t yet put into words. Biting is communication. For a look at the developmental roots of biting and how adults can respond, organizations like
Zero to Three offer research-backed insights that can help us reframe biting as a teachable moment.
Here are some of the most common reasons young children bite:
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Sensory Needs: Many kids crave oral-motor input. Think of how adults chew gum or crunch on pretzels. Little ones bite for the same reason—sometimes simply because it feels good, or to relieve discomfort on their gums from teething.
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Big Emotions: When frustration or excitement skyrockets, and their words don’t come out fast enough, some children resort to biting. Their body reacts before the “language” or “thinking” part of the brain kicks in. Biting becomes an instant, physical outlet for that flood of emotion.
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Curiosity: Toddlers are mini-scientists, testing cause and effect (“What happens if I bite?”) and imitating what they see other children do.
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Communication Gaps: A bite can mean “Notice me,” “It’s my turn,” or “Please stop,” especially when children haven’t yet learned words or gestures to express needs.
Ready to dive deeper? If you’re looking for step by step guidance, real world scenarios, and downloadable resources, IMPACT’s on-demand course
Bye-Bye Biting has you covered. And through the end of summer, it’s bundled with our
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How you handle a bite can determine whether it becomes a pattern. Your calm, consistent response models regulation and teaches safer communication.
Picture this scene: Two toddlers reach for the same block. Tension sparks, and suddenly—ouch! You take a deep breath, calmly separate the children, and kneel beside them. Here are some steps to take:
1. Ensure Safety. Gently separate the children if needed.
2. State the Limit. “No biting. Biting hurts.” Keep your tone firm but kind. You’re aiming for a calm but serious tone.
3. Comfort & Connect. Attend first to the bitten child—offer a hug, soothing words, or first aid. Then turn your attention to the child who did the biting: “You wanted that block. It’s okay to be mad, but biting is not okay.” The goal here is to acknowledge their feelings (I see you’re upset) and set the boundary again (no biting).
4. Gather Clues. Note what led up to the incident—time of day, activity, environmental factors—to identify triggers and patterns and guide your next preventive move.
When a bite does occur, your response sends a powerful message. By combining safety, simple limits, and empathy, you model emotional regulation and teach effective communication. This reinforces boundaries without shame.
Preventing biting means meeting children’s needs before they reach the tipping point. Here are some classroom-tested strategies that work for children of all abilities:
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Offer Oral Sensory Tools- Stock refrigerated teethers, chewy necklaces, or age appropriate crunchy snack so sensory-seeking kids have safe outlets.
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Build Predictable Routines- Maintain consistent meal, play, and nap times. Adjust the schedule if you notice a child biting during “hangry” moments.
- Encourage families to share home routines: knowing if a child skipped breakfast or had a rough night can help you anticipate their needs.
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Teach Words & Gestures
- Model exact phrases: “My turn,” “That’s mine,” or “Help me.”
- Using visuals or simple sign language for children with communication delays (like teaching kids to hold out their hand in a “Stop” gesture) is an essential inclusion strategy.
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Design an Inclusive Environment
- Use shadowing to stay close enough to intervene and guide children toward appropriate behavior before a bite happens.
- Arrange centers and circle time seating to reduce crowding, giving a bit more personal space for children who need it.
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Embed Social Emotional Learning- Read books like Teeth Are Not for Biting by Elizabeth Verdick or No Biting, Louise! by Margie Palatini and Matthew Reinhart to spark conversations about safe behavior.
- Use games (like Simon Says, Red Light/Green Light) to help strengthen impulse control.
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Supporting young children through behaviors like biting isn’t just about reacting in the moment—it’s about creating a classroom environment where children feel safe, understood, and guided toward positive behaviors. These early years are full of big transitions and learning curves for both children and educators, and biting is often a developmental part of that journey. With consistent, flexible strategies grounded in an understanding of each child’s unique needs, educators can reduce biting incidents, strengthen relationships, and foster a more inclusive classroom. By taking time to reflect, learn, and implement small shifts in practice, you’re building the foundation for healthy communication and connection—for every child.
- The IMPACT Team
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