Toddler Biting: When They Bite Others or Themselves
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, Zero to Three, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed toddler biting: when they bite others or themselves, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Biting is one of the most common and alarming toddler behaviors, but it is developmentally normal between ages 1-3. Toddlers bite because they lack the language to express frustration, excitement, or overwhelm. They are not being malicious. Most children outgrow biting by age 3-3.5 as their communication skills develop. In the meantime, respond consistently: remove the child, state the limit calmly, and help them express the underlying need.
Key takeaways
- Biting is one of the most common and alarming toddler behaviors, but it is developmentally normal between ages 1-3. Toddlers bite because they lack the language to express frustration, excitement, or overwhelm. They are not being malicious. Most children outgrow biting by age 3-3.5 as their communication skills develop. In the meantime, respond consistently: remove the child, state the limit calmly, and help them express the underlying need.
- Usually normal when: Biting between ages 1-3 is very common
- Call your doctor if: Biting causes injury requiring medical attention
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, Zero to Three, CDC guidelines, biting is one of the most common and alarming toddler behaviors, but it is developmentally normal between ages 1-3. Toddlers bite because they lack the language to express frustration, excitement, or overwhelm. They are not being malicious. Most children outgrow biting by age 3-3.5 as their communication skills develop. In the meantime, respond consistently: remove the child, state the limit calmly, and help them express the underlying need. At 6-12 months, babies this age may bite during breastfeeding or teething. This is exploratory, not aggressive. They are learning about cause and effect and exploring with their mouths. Gently remove them and say "No biting" in a calm, firm voice. It is generally considered normal when biting between ages 1-3 is very common. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if biting causes injury requiring medical attention.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
6-12 months
Babies this age may bite during breastfeeding or teething. This is exploratory, not aggressive. They are learning about cause and effect and exploring with their mouths. Gently remove them and say "No biting" in a calm, firm voice.
12-24 months
Biting peaks in this age range. Your toddler bites because they cannot say "I am frustrated" or "Give that back" or "I am overwhelmed." Stay close in group settings, intervene before biting when possible, and immediately remove your child if they bite. Keep your reaction calm but firm.
2-3 years
As language develops, biting should decrease. If your child is still biting frequently, focus heavily on teaching alternative expressions: "Use your words. Say: I want that." Some children bite when overstimulated - watch for triggers and intervene early.
3-5 years
Biting should be rare by age 3 and essentially absent by age 4. If your child continues to bite past age 3, or bites themselves when frustrated, discuss with your pediatrician. Persistent biting beyond the toddler years may indicate difficulty with emotional regulation.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed toddler biting: when they bite others or themselves and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if biting continues or increases after age 3.
- Mention if your child bites themselves hard enough to leave marks.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Biting between ages 1-3 is very common
- Biting decreases as language skills improve
- Biting occurs during moments of frustration, excitement, or overwhelm
- Your child does not seem to plan or enjoy biting
- Biting continues or increases after age 3
- Your child bites themselves hard enough to leave marks
- Biting is accompanied by other aggressive behaviors
- Biting is happening many times daily despite consistent intervention
- Biting causes injury requiring medical attention
- Your child bites with intent to harm and shows no remorse or concern
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice toddler biting: when they bite others or themselves — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that biting between ages 1-3 is very common — 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 biting causes injury requiring medical attention.
Related Conditions
Toddler Hits When Angry or Frustrated
Hitting is one of the most common toddler behaviors and is developmentally normal between ages 1-3. Your toddler hits because their emotions are bigger than their ability to manage them, and physical expression is their most available tool. Hitting does not mean your child is aggressive or that you are failing as a parent. Respond by calmly stopping the behavior, naming the emotion, and teaching alternatives over many, many repetitions.
Toddler Scratches Others When Upset
Scratching is a common form of physical aggression in toddlers, often occurring alongside hitting and biting. Like other physical behaviors, it stems from frustration and limited communication skills. Keeping nails trimmed short can reduce injury while you work on teaching alternatives. The same approach applies as with other physical aggression: stay calm, stop the behavior, name the feeling, and teach what to do instead.
Teaching Toddlers to Manage Anger
Anger is a normal, healthy emotion. The goal is not to prevent your toddler from feeling angry but to teach them safe ways to express and manage anger. Toddlers lack the brain development to regulate strong emotions independently - they need your calm, consistent coaching over many years. Punishing anger teaches children to suppress it rather than manage it.
Teaching Emotional Regulation to Toddlers
Emotional regulation is the ability to manage and respond to emotions appropriately. Toddlers are just beginning to develop this skill, and it is not fully mature until the mid-20s. Your child is not choosing to be out of control - the brain regions responsible for regulation are literally still under construction. You are your child's external regulator until they develop internal skills.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is toddler biting: when they bite others or themselves normal?
When should I call the doctor about toddler biting: when they bite others or themselves?
When is toddler biting: when they bite others or themselves normal?
What causes toddler biting: when they bite others or themselves?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about toddler biting: when they bite others or themselves?
Is toddler biting: when they bite others or themselves normal at 6-12 months?
Is toddler biting: when they bite others or themselves normal at 12-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for toddler biting: when they bite others or themselves?
Does toddler biting: when they bite others or themselves go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Biting. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]Zero to Three. Biting: Why It Happens and What to Do. Zero to Three
- [3]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Positive Parenting Tips: Toddlers. CDC
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Toddler Biting: When They Bite Others or Themselves.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed toddler biting: when they bite others or themselves and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if biting continues or increases after age 3.
- Mention if your child bites themselves hard enough to leave marks.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Biting continues or increases after age 3
- Your child bites themselves hard enough to leave marks
- Biting is accompanied by other aggressive behaviors
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Biting causes injury requiring medical attention
- Your child bites with intent to harm and shows no remorse or concern
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: when they bite others or themselves are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if biting causes injury requiring medical attention.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
Was this page helpful?
Related Behavior Concerns
Toddler Hits When Angry or Frustrated
Hitting is one of the most common toddler behaviors and is developmentally normal between ages 1-3. Your toddler hits because their emotions are bigger than their ability to manage them, and physical expression is their most available tool. Hitting does not mean your child is aggressive or that you are failing as a parent. Respond by calmly stopping the behavior, naming the emotion, and teaching alternatives over many, many repetitions.
Toddler Scratches Others When Upset
Scratching is a common form of physical aggression in toddlers, often occurring alongside hitting and biting. Like other physical behaviors, it stems from frustration and limited communication skills. Keeping nails trimmed short can reduce injury while you work on teaching alternatives. The same approach applies as with other physical aggression: stay calm, stop the behavior, name the feeling, and teach what to do instead.
Teaching Toddlers to Manage Anger
Anger is a normal, healthy emotion. The goal is not to prevent your toddler from feeling angry but to teach them safe ways to express and manage anger. Toddlers lack the brain development to regulate strong emotions independently - they need your calm, consistent coaching over many years. Punishing anger teaches children to suppress it rather than manage it.
Teaching Emotional Regulation to Toddlers
Emotional regulation is the ability to manage and respond to emotions appropriately. Toddlers are just beginning to develop this skill, and it is not fully mature until the mid-20s. Your child is not choosing to be out of control - the brain regions responsible for regulation are literally still under construction. You are your child's external regulator until they develop internal skills.
Bonding and Attachment Timeline for Adopted Babies
Bonding with an adopted baby is a real and achievable process, but it may follow a different timeline than biological bonding. Many adoptive parents feel a strong connection quickly, while for others it develops gradually over weeks or months. Consistent, responsive caregiving is the single most important factor in building secure attachment, regardless of how your family was formed.
Aggressive Play vs Normal Play
Rough-and-tumble play — wrestling, chasing, play-fighting, and superhero battles — is a normal and important part of child development, particularly for toddlers and preschoolers. It helps children develop physical coordination, social skills, self-regulation, and an understanding of boundaries. The key distinction between normal rough play and concerning aggression is whether both children are having fun, there is turn-taking in roles, and no one is intentionally trying to hurt the other.