Some parenting experiences can surprise you and one of them is when your baby suddenly bites you because of teething. The behaviour of the baby can be mainly associated with the fact of having teeth which makes the baby uncomfortable.
Why Do Teething Babies Bite?
Various signs of teething can be observed in infants and toddlers. During the teething process, when their teeth are breaking through the gums, babies experience pressure in the gums. This makes them want to bite down on something so that the pressure is relieved and they feel better.
Recognizing the Signs of Teething
Before dealing with baby bites during teething, it's wise to identify signs of the teething process. Some of the signs include:
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Excessive drooling
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Swollen or sensitive gums
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Restlessness or irritability
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Nibbles on hands, toys, or anything else
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Minor sleep or feeding disturbances
Identifying the signs of teething in your child will prepare you for possible biting behaviour.
How to Respond When Your Baby Bites
During the times that baby biting teething has occurred when breastfeeding or holding, a soft response might come more in handy. Unless for long periods, say “no biting” in 'calm' voice and pause activity for the baby to learn that biting interrupts activity. As much as you want to react to the biting, you should avoid overly extreme reaction to avoid encouraging the activity.
Offering Safe Alternatives for Biting
Rather than just saying no, behavior redirection is a much more effective strategy. Providing teething rings, clean cool washcloths, or suitable teething toys provides your baby with something to sink his or her teeth into, effectively helping to lessen the chances of your baby’s biting incidents.
When Does Teething-Related Biting Improve?
Biting associated with teething usually lessens when the teeth eventually break through and the pain goes away. Regardless of the cessation of teething pain, it is still vital to maintain gentle direction during this period so that infants will learn proper limits of biting behaviour.
Supporting Your Baby's Comfort During Teething
In addition to addressing the action of biting, aiding in general teething comfort can lessen an inclination to bite. Cold teething toys, quiet gum rubbing with a clean finger, and keeping an untroubled environment can assist with easing the suffering during this phase of development.
Conclusion
Biting is a natural phase of early development triggered by discomfort from erupting teeth. By observing the signals, responding rationally and consistently, and providing the right options to the child, parents can assist their babies cope with this phase while gradually setting limits of biting.
FAQs
1. Is it normal for babies to bite when they are teething?
Yes, this is often normal due to their sore gums from the teeth coming through.
2. How should I react if my baby bites while teething?
Calmly tell your baby “no biting,” making sure you express your disapproval and you carry on with what you were doing.
3. What can I give my baby to chew instead?
Baby can chew on a teething ring, a cold wash cloth, or something else that is suitable for baby to chew on.
4. Will the biting related to teething go away by itself?
Yes, it will stop as the teeth break through, but you still have to gently encourage your baby not to bite.
5. Are there other changes that could happen as a result of teething?
Yes, babies teething may also become cranky, drooly, or restless.
