Almost 2yo biting & grabbing faces :(

[KitKatKit]

My 22 month old DS has suddenly begun biting other children (especially on the cheeks) and grabbing them by the nose/face.
He doesn't seem to do it out of anger or annoyance (or as a reaction to not getting his own way/ something). He seems to bite cheeks when he's trying to "kiss" their cheek, and grabs their faces when he gets up close, for no reason!

I am trying to manage by watching him like a hawk when he's with other kids and as soon as I see him veering towards this behaviour I'll redirect gently. This was on the advice of his nursery.

He's an only child, me and DH have a very settled relationship between us, there are no major life changes occurring. He goes to nursery multiple days a week and sees other kids his age regularly but has only just begun doing it and it's really worrying me.
I don't want my child to be the one lashing out and hurting other kids. Help!

Very normal! Doesn't mean he's a budding psycho, or has witnessed abuse, or is in some way damaged, just means he's a toddler!

You're doing exactly the right thing with other kids - I would also suggest that when he does do it, you stay calm, say "oh that wasn't nice, that hurt" and then remove yourself from him for a moment, before coming back, saying "we don't bite/grab, it hurts" and then continuing with your day.

It will take a while but he'll grow out of it.

Normal. Annoying but normal toddler behaviour. Always make a fuss of the other child 'I'm so sorry ... did that to you. It must be so sore. I really hope you're ok. Poor...'. It helps your child understand and puts the attention on the 'victim' so you're not unintentionally giving attention for unwanted behaviours.

...is what every kid of this age has done in forever. If anything, it's a bit advanced for the face smush with teeth.

We go with 'it isn't kind to hurt people' but our nursery were good about saying our toddler hadn't got the brain capacity to understand. Redirection is all you can do until that clicks in, and it will.

I agree with PP. it’s really common and you’re doing exactly the right thing. Follow him everywhere when he’s around other DC and try to stop him before he can hurt them.

Totally Normal. DS2 did this. I was shocked as DS1 never did it.
watch him like a hawk. We also used gently hands - demonstrating and also holding his hand to demonstrate it.
clean and firm - no biting. Moving him away if he did or showed signs of it.
It will pass - often as him communication skills improve