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Reducing biting in children age 8 to 14 months

To help a child between 8 and 14 months old stop biting:

  • Make clear rules about biting. Tell the child, "We never bite people. We bite food like apples and cookies."
  • If the child bites, say "Biting hurts." If you are bitten, exaggerate your response to the pain. This helps the child learn why you are upset when he or she bites.
  • Use a stern voice and wear a stern expression on your face as you talk about biting. Babies of this age may not understand your words, but they can understand your body language, facial expression, and tone of voice.
Author Amy Fackler, MA
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD
- Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC
- Pediatrics
Last Updated May 2, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 02, 2006
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