Babble

a magazine and community for the new urban parent

My baby BITES!

Last post 10-17-2007 4:08 PM by susannah75. 7 replies.
Page 1 of 1 (8 items)
Sort Posts:
  • 09-15-2007 11:15 PM

    My baby BITES!

    I really need some help. My son Benji (13 months) is a biter. Mostly me. (although he has gotten his sister and my husband a few times, his playdates appear to make it through unharmed). My right shoulder is a war zone. He chomps me several times daily whenever he wants to be put down. Otherwise he has an amazing temperment, is super sweet and loving, and an EASY easy baby. He cheerfully takes his chomps... He has been doing it for several months and it is getting worse (tonight he broke the skin until it bled). My entire shoulder is black and blue and people can't help but comment. we have tried- baby time out- putting him in his crib or pack and play (or exersaucer, he does not like to be contained) after a harsh NO! BITE ! and giving him a couple of minutes. weak thump on the hand/foot- my nurse practicioner said to do this if he did it while nursing- Ben has no interest in threatening his favorite food supply/human paci, but I tried it ( I am so desperate...) it did not work- also he almost always gets me in public when I am taking to someone, in a resturant, etc. I think this is a terrible idea in the first place, and I certainly can't thump, swat, or really harshly chastise a baby in public- he is a baby... anyone who has any ideas please respond! Thanks- Black and Blue Mama
  • 09-16-2007 7:24 PM In reply to

    Re: My baby BITES!

    The first thing you should know is this trick--Don't pull away from a bite; instead, gently but quickly press your body part toward your baby's mouth or gently grasp the back of your baby's head and gently but quickly press his head toward your body.  This movement surprises the child and causes the baby to let go, but it should not hurt the child and should save your skin.  This trick is taught by people who work with children and adults who have developmental disorders.  It's helped me get away from several painful interactions with the children I have worked with as an occupational therapist.  (The trick works with dogs, too!)

    I was also wondering why you think he bites you. 

    Is he trying to get your attention?  In this case, I'd say to remove him from your poor shoulder without acknowledging what he did, put him carefully down, and walk away for a minute or two.  If he fusses or otherwise acts up, continue to ignore him until he calms down.  Then go back and interact with him as usual.  Don't talk about the biting.  Next time you're in a situation in which he tends to try to get your attention by biting, try not holding him if possible and offering your attention as often as you can while still having a conversation.  Show him how to get your attention with words or gestures before he tries to bite you again. 

    Is he biting to get you to put him down rather than using words or gestures?  In that case, I'd say to remove him from your shoulder, turn him away from you, and hold him gently there for as much as a minute if possible.  Then show him how to communicate his desire to get down and immediately let him down.  If you can catch him before he actually bites you, show him how to communicate with you and reward him by putting him down. 

    The goal is to not reward his bites by giving him what he wants (you just have to figure out what that is!), to put some time between the bites and your interaction with him, and to teach him other means of communicating with you.  

    Good luck!  This must be very frustrating to deal with!

    Filed under: ,
  • 09-20-2007 12:17 AM In reply to

    Re: My baby BITES!

    THANK YOU! I just started the pressing into him thing and that is helping- it also keeps him from getting such a good chomp. He wants my attention and wants to be put down. I have changed my holding him position (If I am doing something that I can't give him my full attention i.e. exiting a resturant ( I have a 4 year old as well). I love the idea of teaching him/ helping him to communicate- He signs for "more" and sort of for "all done" and "up" (is the sign for wanting to nurse dive bombing my chest? then he does that too ;) ) I will help him to communicate better and reward that and continue to ignore/ not reinforce the biting- Currently I have held him longer but away from me when he bites so he does not get to be put down- sort of a hold time out. He got his first school incident report this week for chomping another child... It is cool that you are an OT. I am an "all but dissertationed/internshipped" psychologist and work with kids on the autistic spectrum. The practice I am with here in Atlanta incorperates speech therapists and OTs with play therapy for kids... thanks again for your advice! Amanda
  • 09-23-2007 8:46 PM In reply to

    Re: My baby BITES!

    Thanks for your stories and advice.  I also have a black and blue shoulder from my little biter, and I agree that he usually wants something from me and uses biting to communicate.  We are going to work on this using your advice...thanks!

    Filed under:
  • 10-02-2007 1:30 PM In reply to

    Re: My baby BITES!

    It seems to be working, my shoulder actually looks normal again, he still grabs a chomp here and there... good luck
  • 10-08-2007 3:58 PM In reply to

    Re: My baby BITES!

    I'm going to take this advice too - my 13 month old daughter is an occasional biter ( I didn't think they started these things til they reached 2??!!) so this has been really helpful and interesting to see it's had a positive effect. love these websites!  beats reading books anyday!

  • 10-09-2007 8:37 AM In reply to

    Re: My baby BITES!

    So glad to hear things are working for you!  I'm happy I could offer some help!

  • 10-17-2007 4:08 PM In reply to

    Re: My baby BITES!

    hey guys.  I've taken some advice from www.gurgle.com too and it has helped - involving the 'naughty' step/seat/sofa... basically whenver they hit, bite or whatever you just put them down or exclude them so that they realise what they've done, and when they are prepared to be nice again then they get love and attention.  I've been using it today and have seen instant results! 

Page 1 of 1 (8 items)
in