Toddler Biting
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, Zero to Three guidelines
Last reviewed:
Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed toddler biting, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Biting is one of the most common and developmentally normal behaviors in toddlers, especially between 12 and 36 months. It usually happens because toddlers lack the language skills to express frustration, excitement, or sensory needs. While it can feel alarming, most children outgrow biting as their communication skills develop.
Key takeaways
- Biting is one of the most common and developmentally normal behaviors in toddlers, especially between 12 and 36 months. It usually happens because toddlers lack the language skills to express frustration, excitement, or sensory needs. While it can feel alarming, most children outgrow biting as their communication skills develop.
- Usually normal when: Your baby is teething and biting on objects, fingers, or during breastfeeding
- Call your doctor if: A bite breaks the skin - clean the wound thoroughly and watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, pus)
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC, Zero to Three guidelines, biting is one of the most common and developmentally normal behaviors in toddlers, especially between 12 and 36 months. It usually happens because toddlers lack the language skills to express frustration, excitement, or sensory needs. While it can feel alarming, most children outgrow biting as their communication skills develop. At 6-12 months, babies at this age often bite while teething or exploring the world with their mouths, which is a primary way infants learn about objects and textures. Biting during breastfeeding is also common during teething. This type of biting is not aggressive - it is purely sensory and developmental. Offering appropriate teething toys can help redirect the behavior. It is generally considered normal when your baby is teething and biting on objects, fingers, or during breastfeeding. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if a bite breaks the skin - clean the wound thoroughly and watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, pus).
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
6-12 months
Babies at this age often bite while teething or exploring the world with their mouths, which is a primary way infants learn about objects and textures. Biting during breastfeeding is also common during teething. This type of biting is not aggressive - it is purely sensory and developmental. Offering appropriate teething toys can help redirect the behavior.
12-24 months
This is the peak age for biting. Toddlers have big emotions but very limited ability to express them with words. Biting often happens during moments of frustration, overstimulation, excitement, or when a toddler wants a toy another child has. It can also be experimental - they are learning about cause and effect. A calm, brief response ("No biting. Biting hurts.") is more effective than a big reaction.
2-3 years
As language skills grow, biting typically decreases. If your 2-year-old is still biting frequently, focus on teaching them words for their feelings and offering alternatives like "Say 'mine' instead of biting." Consistent, patient responses work better than punishment. Most children stop biting almost entirely by age 3 as verbal skills catch up to their emotions.
3+ years
By age 3-4, most children have enough language and emotional regulation to have stopped biting. If a child over 3 is still biting frequently, especially if it seems aggressive rather than reactive, it is worth discussing with your pediatrician. They can help evaluate whether there might be underlying sensory, emotional, or communication factors.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed toddler biting and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if biting is happening multiple times a day and does not seem to be decreasing over weeks despite consistent responses.
- Mention if your child is over 3 years old and still biting regularly.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is teething and biting on objects, fingers, or during breastfeeding
- Your toddler bites occasionally during moments of frustration or excitement but responds to redirection
- Biting happens mainly with siblings or at daycare during conflicts over toys or space
- Your child is between 12-30 months and the biting is decreasing as their language improves
- Your toddler seems surprised or upset after biting, showing they are starting to understand it hurts others
- Biting is happening multiple times a day and does not seem to be decreasing over weeks despite consistent responses
- Your child is over 3 years old and still biting regularly
- Your child bites themselves hard enough to leave marks, especially during frustration or meltdowns
- Biting is accompanied by other persistent aggressive behaviors like frequent hitting, kicking, or throwing objects at people
- A bite breaks the skin - clean the wound thoroughly and watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, pus)
- Your child suddenly starts biting after a period of not doing so, combined with other behavioral changes, regression, or signs of stress or pain
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice toddler biting — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby is teething and biting on objects, fingers, or during breastfeeding — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 6-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Respond consistently and calmly to your baby's behavior. Maintain predictable daily routines.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if a bite breaks the skin - clean the wound thoroughly and watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, pus).
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is toddler biting normal?
When should I call the doctor about toddler biting?
When is toddler biting normal?
What causes toddler biting?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about toddler biting?
Is toddler biting normal at 6-12 months?
Is toddler biting normal at 12-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for toddler biting?
Does toddler biting go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Biting. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Positive Parenting Tips: Toddlers (1-2 years). CDC
- [3]Zero to Three. Toddlers and Biting: Finding the Right Response. Zero to Three
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Toddler Biting.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed toddler biting and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if biting is happening multiple times a day and does not seem to be decreasing over weeks despite consistent responses.
- Mention if your child is over 3 years old and still biting regularly.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Biting is happening multiple times a day and does not seem to be decreasing over weeks despite consistent responses
- Your child is over 3 years old and still biting regularly
- Your child bites themselves hard enough to leave marks, especially during frustration or meltdowns
Urgent signs to report immediately
- A bite breaks the skin - clean the wound thoroughly and watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, pus)
- Your child suddenly starts biting after a period of not doing so, combined with other behavioral changes, regression, or signs of stress or pain
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of toddler biting are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if a bite breaks the skin - clean the wound thoroughly and watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, pus).
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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