How to Replace Biting Behaviors in Little Ones at Daycare

Biting is one of those topics no parent ever wants to talk about, yet nearly every daycare and child faces it at some point. If your toddler has become “the biter,” it can feel confusing, stressful, or even alarming. But here’s the truth: biting isn’t a sign of a mean child or a bad parent. It’s communication. And with the right support, it can be completely turned around.

At Kids In Motion, we work with families and childcare providers every week on behaviors just like this. When we look closely, biting usually has a clear purpose behind it—kids bite for a reason. Once we understand that reason, we can teach a better, more effective replacement behavior.

Why Do Little Kids Bite?

Young children bite because they’re trying to get a need met. The most common reasons include:

• Teething or oral discomfort

• Sensory-seeking behavior

• Overstimulation or overwhelm

• Limited communication skills

• Frustration with peers

• Fatigue or hunger

• Trouble regulating their emotions

Toddlers simply don’t have all the tools yet. So they use what they have.

Support Oral and Sensory Needs

If a child is biting because their mouth or sensory system needs input, trying to correct the behavior alone won’t work. They need an appropriate outlet. This might look like:

• Chewelry or silicone chew tools

• Crunchy or textured snacks (when age-appropriate)

• Cold washcloths for teething discomfort

• “Heavy work” activities like pushing laundry baskets, carrying books, or wall pushes

When we meet the sensory need, the biting decreases because the child finally feels regulated and soothed. A simple phrase like “Chew this, not your friends” gives clear guidance with compassion.

Build Simple, Usable Communication

A child who doesn’t yet have the words to express frustration is much more likely to bite. Helping them find their voice is key. Start with short, predictable phrases:

• “Help please.”

• “Stop.”

• “My turn.”

• “Move.”

• “I’m mad.”

Practice these during calm moments. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s helping your child have a tool that feels easier and more effective than biting.

Make Small Environmental Tweaks

Daycare environments can be busy, loud, and full of big feelings. Small changes can reduce overwhelm dramatically:

• Create more space in high-conflict areas

• Offer duplicates of favorite toys

• Give parallel play options when sharing is too hard

• Add visual supports and predictable routines

These adjustments make the environment safer, calmer, and easier for kids who are still learning how to handle high-emotion moments.

Teach Social Skills Through Practice

Toddlers don’t come pre-programmed to share, wait, or negotiate. They learn through modeling and repetition. Helpful skills include:

• Tapping a peer gently instead of grabbing

• Trading toys

• Turn-taking with short timers

• Simple cooperative games

Even one or two minutes a day of intentional practice creates real change.

Build Regulation Before Expecting Self-Control

If a child’s body is dysregulated, they physically cannot stop themselves from biting. We have to help them return to calm before we ask them to “use their words.” Some ways to do that:

• Calming corners or cozy spaces

• Deep pressure squeezes

• Sensory bins

• Breathing games like blowing cotton balls or “dragon breaths”

Regulation is the foundation. Once they’re calm, the rest becomes possible.

Respond Calmly and Consistently

What you do in the moment matters, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. When biting happens:

1. Comfort the child who was bitten.

2. Use short, neutral language: “No biting. Biting hurts.”

3. Teach the replacement behavior: “Try saying ‘My turn.’”

4. Redirect quickly.

Long explanations and strong reactions don’t help. Warm, steady consistency does.

Create a Plan for Big Feelings

Every child needs a go-to strategy for overwhelm. Teach a simple plan:

• Ask for help

• Walk away

• Squeeze a pillow

• Use a calm space

Practice during the day so it’s familiar when they need it.

The Heart of the Work

Biting isn’t a sign of a tough kid. It’s a sign of a kid who needs support. When we slow down and teach the replacement behavior with patience and purpose, children learn to communicate, regulate, and connect in healthier ways. If you’re noticing biting at daycare or home and want guidance, our therapists are always here to help. You don’t have to navigate this stage alone.