Toddlers Biting at Child Care: A Helpful Guide for Parents
Biting is one of the most common behaviors seen in toddlers, especially between the ages of 12 months and 3 years. While it can be upsetting for both parents and caregivers, biting is typically a normal part of early childhood development. At Golden City CDC, Inc., we understand how concerning this behavior can be and are committed to supporting both children and families through developmentally appropriate practices.
Understanding why toddlers bite—and how our Child Care Center responds—can help provide reassurance and practical guidance.
Why Toddlers Bite
Toddlers bite for many different reasons. Although it may feel alarming, this behavior is usually not a sign of aggression or long-term behavioral issues.
1. Limited Communication Skills
Toddlers are still learning how to express their needs and emotions. When they feel frustrated, excited, or overwhelmed, biting may become a way to communicate.
2. Teething Discomfort
Teething can cause gum discomfort. Biting may help relieve pressure and soothe sore gums.
3. Sensory Exploration
Toddlers explore the world using their senses. Sometimes biting is part of that natural curiosity.
4. Overstimulation or Big Emotions
Busy environments, transitions, fatigue, or strong emotions can overwhelm young children, leading to impulsive behaviors like biting.
5. Seeking Attention
Toddlers may bite to get a reaction or to connect, even if the attention is negative.
How Golden City CDC Responds to Biting
As a licensed Child Care Center, Golden City CDC uses developmentally appropriate and respectful strategies that prioritize safety, learning, and emotional well-being.
Immediate Response
When a biting incident occurs, our staff will:
Comfort and attend to the child who was bitten
Calmly redirect the child who bit
Use clear, gentle language such as: “Biting hurts.”
Document the incident and communicate with both families
No Shaming or Punishment
Biting is a common developmental behavior. Our caregivers do not shame or punish children. Instead, we model gentle interactions and guide children toward positive behaviors.
Identifying Triggers
Our teachers carefully observe to understand:
What happened before the incident
The emotions involved
What support the child may need
Recognizing patterns helps us reduce future incidents.
Teaching New Skills
Caregivers support toddlers by helping them learn to:
Use simple words or gestures
Express needs appropriately
Practice cooperative play
Manage emotions in safe ways
Environmental Adjustments
To help prevent biting, we may adjust:
Classroom layout
Sensory activities
Daily routines
Transition cues
Supervision strategies
How Parents Can Support Their Toddler at Home
Partnering with your child’s caregivers makes a meaningful difference.
Parents can help by:
Using simple emotion words (“You’re upset,” “You want a turn”)
Providing safe teething items
Keeping consistent routines and rest schedules
Praising gentle and positive behaviors
Remaining calm and consistent if biting occurs
If biting also happens at home, sharing this information with our staff helps create a consistent support plan.
Is Biting a Long-Term Problem?
In most cases, no. As toddlers grow, biting usually decreases with improvements in:
Language development
Social skills
Emotional awareness
Impulse control
With support from both families and caregivers, this behavior typically fades over time.
Need More Information?
For more information on how Golden City CDC, Inc., a licensed Child Care Center, supports children and families, please visit:
https://www.goldencitycdc.com/