DS (12m) biting DH

[bunnyrabbit]

Need some advice and am sure you guys can help.

My DS, who is nearly 1yr, has started to bite DH when he cuddles him. He hasn'e bitten an yone else. It's usually on DH's shoulder, tummy or chest and I'm sure DS is 'just trying it out' so to speak and teething, but DH is very upset about it. I've told him that lots of babies go through a biting stage (DS himself was bitten at nursery) although this does seem a bit early to me.

We do tell DS 'no' very firmly twice (he does understand 'no') and then DH will put him down to try and get the message accross, but DS is so young I'm not sure he really takes it very seriously. (tends to smile and giggle).

Can anyone give us some advice on how they've adressed this issue and/or soothing words for DH that this is normal behaviour and he has nothing to be upset about.

I still think 12m is a bit early for this phase....

Thanks for you help

BR

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Not to early at all. In fact, very normal, I think. Remember, he has no idea it hurts. If he can't feel it, he cannot imagine that anyone else can (it's a brain development thing). It is just a nice sensation and gets an interesting response. The best way to deal with it IME is to not react at all, no eye contact, no yelp, just put him down immediately say 'no biting' very calmly and walk away - alternatively put your ds outside the door very briefly. You do need to put him down immediately - babies don't understand connections otherwise. It's not punishment as such, just puppy-training - making him realise that biting is not a good idea as it leads to a slightly unpleasant consequence. Also make sure he isn't hungry - my ds bit more when hungry! And it's definitely connected with teething IME.

Ohh Bunnyrabbit-me too!

DD is 1 now & has been biting us when she gets excited or is pleased to see us.She mostly bites us on the shoulders when we are taking her up to bed,as she finds this wildly exciting for some reason.

I quickly found that yelping or saying 'OW' got a giggle from her,so have tried to stop reacting when she does it.She does know what 'no' means,so I say 'no' & hold her away from me every time she bites.She is a demon though & finds DH'S feet especially tasty.(Sensible girl won't go near mine).

From what I understand,it is entirely normal & DD only does it to DH,myself,my sister & mum,the people she really loves & feels happy being with.So maybe your DS is showing how much he loves his dad?

Keep us posted on what happens.I'll let you know if my appproach actually does any good.

Thank ever so much for your messages ladies.

Twiglett, I think he's more worried about DS biting other people. So I reminded him that we didn't stalk the parents of the baby that bit DS, 'cos we know it's a phase. Defnitely will make sure we do not react now.

Aloha, thanks for the reassurance. Will make sure he isn't hungry.

Mirage, nice to know we're not alone in this. Very sweeet idea. Matbe DH is just very tasty!!I'll keep you upto date on our progress but you must let me know what happens with your DD too.

Thanks again

BR and Mr BR

DS did exactly this, bunny. I did exactly as Aloha suggests, and it stopped v quickly.

Nearly a week later & no biting!

A couple of near misses,but she stops before she actually bites.

Unfortunately,when she gets excited now,she grabs hold very tightly & pinches us.We are both covered in tiny bruises.If its not one thing its another....................

Oh dear, but at least she's not biting. I suppose you just have to treat this the same way as the biting, if you want it to stop.

DS has bitten DH once since, but he was very excited. Fingers crossed!!!

BR

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Arghh! Thought we were over the biting,until my dad greeted dd this morning by asking 'Hows my little vampire?'Apparently my poor mum is sporting bite marks on her shoulder,so we still have some way to go.

Bunnyrabbit-that sounds very promising.

Twiglett,thanks for the advice,we both look like we've been attacked by tiny pincers at the minute!