When Baby Bites Back: The Teething Tale and What to Do About It
Parenting comes with lots of delightful moments but encounters with a biting baby can lead you to feel puzzled and in pain. You might find yourself asking, “Why is my baby biting? Is it linked to teething?”
Our next brush-baby blog aims to explore these questions, we will share with you our insights and tips to help you and your little one get through this tricky phase with ease.
Why Do Babies Bite? Understanding the Basics
Babies bite for many different reasons, and for parents, trying to understand these causes is the first step in addressing the issue. Spoiler alert: it's not always about teething!
One reason little ones bite is quite simply exploration. Babies naturally use their mouths to explore the world around them. Biting is one way for them to learn about textures, tastes, and even social responses from those around them, this is a normal part of their development.
Another common reason for babies biting is communication. Babies don’t have the vocabulary to be able to express their feelings and needs. Biting can often be an expression of frustration, excitement, or even curiosity. Try to pay attention to the context of the bite as this can offer clues about what your baby is experiencing emotionally at that time.
Finally, some babies tend to bite as a form of self-soothing. When they become overwhelmed by new experiences or emotions, biting can provide them with some relief. Recognising the signs of when your baby is feeling stressed can help you to prevent biting incidents before they happen.
The Teething Connection Is It Real?
Parents tend to link biting to teething due to the discomfort it causes, leading babies to bite objects or people to relieve pressure. However, biting can also be a way for babies to explore their environment. If your baby bites during feeding or play, it might be more about curiosity than teething. If it is due to teething, you could try to soothe their teething gums, by offering them teething toys, like our brand new Bobbie Bunny, or cold washcloths instead of letting them bite.
Ultimately, while teething can sometimes contribute to biting behaviour, it is not the sole culprit. Understanding your baby's unique needs and behaviour patterns will help you work out if teething is actually the cause.
Recognising Triggers and Being Ready
By understanding your little one’s triggers and patterns, it will help you to better manage and reduce biting behaviour. By watching when and where they tend to bite, and by being armed with tools like teething toys, you can help soothe your little one’s discomfort, be it from teething or otherwise, and prevent future incidents.
For more solutions, explore our wide range of teething products in our online store, where you will find everything from baby gum wipes, to toddler toothpaste and everything in between. Remember we are here to help with all your little one’s dental care needs!