Why Biting Happens in Early Childhood (and What It Really Means)
Understanding Biting as a Developmental Stage
Biting is one of the most concerning behaviours for both parents and early childhood educators. While it can feel alarming, it is also a common and developmentally appropriate behaviour, particularly between the ages of 12 and 30 months.
During this stage, children are rapidly developing—but key skills like communication, emotional regulation, and impulse control are still emerging. When those skills are not yet in place, behaviour becomes the child’s primary way of expressing needs.
Why Do Young Children Bite?
Children may bite for a variety of reasons, including:
- Frustration or an inability to communicate
- Overstimulation in busy environments
- A way of dealing with teething discomfort
- Seeking sensory input
- Exploring cause and effect
It’s important to recognize that biting is rarely intentional aggression. Instead, it is often a form of communication. When we reframe it like this, we can better understand the reasoning behind it, and help educators learn how to deal with it.
What High-Quality Child Care Programs Do Differently
Effective early learning environments don’t just react to biting—they work to understand it.
Skilled Educators can:
- Observe patterns and triggers
- Monitor environmental factors (noise, transitions, group size)
- Step in early when warning signs appear
- Support children in learning alternative behaviours
This proactive approach reduces incidents and supports long-term development.
Does Biting Go Away?
Yes—with support, biting is typically a temporary phase.
As children develop stronger language skills, better emotional regulation, and increased social understanding, the need to bite naturally decreases.
As a daycare owner or director, it’s important that you ensure your educators are equipped with knowledge and the proper skills to handle biting. A calm-out corner is also a wonderful addition to any space. For younger children, this space can be used with an educator to help them calm down or redirect them. Read more about how to best set up engaging daycare spaces and calm-down areas.
Final Thoughts
Biting can be difficult, but it is also part of a child’s learning process. When adults respond with understanding, consistency, and guidance, children gain the skills they need to move beyond this stage.
