10 month old biting!

[Mum2one92]

Hi Mums,

I actually feel quite embarrassed about writing this. My 10 month old boy bites me and his dad - a lot! To the point it actually bruises us.

He doesn’t do it to anyone else and I’ve informed his nursery setting so they can be extra vigilant as I wouldn’t want him to hurt another child or practitioner.

My question is, how can I stop this? He is so young and doesn’t understand and I know it’s not malicious. I like to think he’s trying to give me a kiss 😆

I tell me “Not to bite mummy” knowing full well he doesn’t know what I’m saying but I never ever get angry with the little fella.

Thank you for reading.

[SophBM Administrator]

Hi,

This is more common than you may think. Lots of parents and children go through this, so you are definitely not alone 🙂 At 10 months old everything is about the mouth and mouthing, so biting can be a part of this.

All children use behaviour as a way to communicate their wants, wishes and needs. As their verbal and emotional development is not fully developed yet, they use behaviour to interpret and try to understand the world around them. Mums and dads often get the worst of it, as you are the safest and closest people to them.

It's good that you know that he is not doing it on purpose and have taken some really positive steps in telling his nursery and asking for support. Have you considered keeping a behaviour diary so you can identify possible triggers or times of day when he is more likely to bite? Sometimes you can spot changes in the environment or his routine that may make him feel uncertain. Avoiding these or using distraction techniques can be helpful here. Also common challenging behaviours pop up when children are bored, tired or hunger. You may find some helpful resources on the Just One Norfolk website justonenorfolk.nhs.uk/child...

Be persistent in your approach. If he bites you, try gently moving your arm away and giving him something else acceptable to bite on. Keep your words simple, maybe saying 'stop' or 'kind kisses'. Really think about what he might have been trying to tell you in that moment and praise him when he gets your attention in ways that you want, so he learns how to do if differently.

Finally, children's behaviour is tough and can be very challenging. Keep going. It's a learning curve for you both and he will move through this with your love, patience and guidance.

[MrsHello Community Ambassador]

Hi, how are you getting on? The previous reply has given some really good advice and strategies. Have you managed to try anything out or found anything that worked?

When my children were little I remember having stages where they put things in their mouth and I remember having similar difficulties where they would bite us or their big siblings. I tried things like teething rings and all the usual teething tips in case it was that ( I think with my children I thought everything was teething 😆).

In the end for us it was more about understanding the whys and when’s it was occurring and see if there were patterns. SophieB-M’s reply suggests keeping a diary and that sounds like such a good idea.

You sound like you are already doing such a good job. I know keeping calm is hard when you get a painful bite. Keep going 😊 😊