Most often in this age group, children bite to reduce the pressure on their sensitive gums due to teething. True biting, not due to teething, can become a problem with children between 18 and 30 months of age. Children at this age are often unaware of the pain that biting causes to other children and to adults. Although it is common for children to bite others while playing, this type of behavior warrants immediate action. Not only is biting extremely painful for children who are bitten, but it often leads to more fighting within the play group.
Biters also run the risk of becoming unpopular with their playmates.
Young children often bite in response to frustration, anger, or excitement. Thus, it is important for parents and caretakers to be aware of what situations lead to biting behaviors. Such knowledge may help parents better understand the causes of biting behavior. There are many steps that can be taken to both prevent and solve biting problems. To prevent biting from occurring, parents and caretakers should set limits before young children play together.