Biting in Child Care: Causes, Prevention, and Provider Strategies - post

Why Do Children Bite in Child Care?

Biting can be one of the toughest behaviors #early-childhood- #educators face. It often happens quickly and without warning, and it can hurt both children and caregivers. But biting isn’t usually a sign that a child is “bad.” Many young children bite because they are still #learning how to talk, how to control strong feelings, or how to communicate their needs. Biting can be a way of communicating before children have #developed words or self-control skills.  

What Causes Biting in Child Care? 

There are many reasons children may bite. Some common causes include:

• Communication struggles: Children may bite when they can’t find words to #express what they feel. 
• Teething: Babies and #toddlers often bite to soothe sore gums. 
• Frustration or anger: When a child is upset and does not know what to do, biting may feel like an easy outlet. 
• Sensory needs: Some children enjoy the feeling of biting and use it to explore or calm themselves. 
• Seeking attention: Biting can #lead to a strong reaction from adults, which may encourage the child to repeat the behavior. 
• Overstimulation or boredom: Busy environments or lack of engaging #play can contribute to biting.

Understanding why a child bites helps caregivers respond in ways that teach better choices.

How Can Providers Prevent Biting?

Great child care teams focus on prevention first. Here are practical prevention strategies:

Observe and understand patterns

• Watch children closely during play.
• Notice where, when, and why biting is happening.
• Track any patterns so you can change routines or environments to help prevent it. 

Guide children toward better communication

• Teach simple words like, “Help,” “No,” or “Stop.”
• Encourage children to use words instead of biting to express feelings.

Offer safe alternatives

• Provide teething toys or chewy sensory items for children who bite for oral stimulation. 

Organize the environment

• Keep spaces calm and predictable.
• Reduce crowding and overstimulating activities during peak biting times like transitions. 

Support emotional skills

• Label feelings: “You are angry.”
• Use calm moments to teach children emotional words and gentle behavior. 

What Should You Do When a Bite Happens?

Even with the best prevention, biting will still occur sometimes. Respond calmly but clearly:

Comfort the hurt child first

• Attend to the child who was bitten.
• Let them know, “It’s okay. We will help you feel better.” 

Talk to the child who bit

• Use simple, clear #language: “You bit. Biting hurts.”
• Never shame the child. Focus on behavior, not the child. 

Teach alternatives

• Say: “Use your words. Say ‘Stop!’”
• Practice calm communication during play and routines

Communicate with families

• Share what happened and how you responded.
• Work with families on consistent strategies between #home and the classroom. 

How Can Providers Build Support for Prevention and Response?

Training and resources help providers feel confident and prepared. Here are courses from ChildCareEd that directly relate to handling biting and challenging behaviors:

Courses from ChildCareEd:

• Ouch! Biting & Hitting Hurts – Learn why children bite and how to guide them toward positive behavior with practical strategies. 
• Mysteries of Challenging Behavior Solved – Understand challenging behaviors and get tools to promote safe, calm environments. 

.

ChildCareEd Free Resource:

• Understanding Biting and Hitting in Early Childhood – A #free guide that explains the root causes of biting and how to support children’s social #development. (childcareed.com)

Related ChildCareEd Article: 

• What Should I Say to a Child Who Just Bit Someone? – Learn simple language and steps to teach children about gentle behavior and help them learn from the moment. (childcareed.com)

How Can You Talk to Families About Biting?

Working together with families builds trust and consistency:

• Share facts about why biting happens.
• Explain your classroom approach.
• Offer simple strategies that #parents can use at home.
• Reassure families that biting is a phase and that learning communication takes time.

Final Thoughts for Providers

Biting in child care can be hard to manage, but it is a teachable moment. When we understand the reasons behind biting and use calm, positive guidance, we help children grow their social skills and emotional control. With observation, thoughtful communication, and consistent support, children can learn safer and kinder ways to express themselves. 

Follow ChildCareEd for more tips and tools:
👉 Follow us on social for daily support and ideas: https://linktr.ee/childcareed