Biting at nursery

[NeighbourProblems3]

My 21-months old has started to bite other children, unfortunately it happened every day for the past week and - understandably so - the nursery starts to say that we need to get this under control if he is to continue in this setting. I think it might be teething and feeling his teeth itch because he usually isn’t upset when the biting happens. Any ideas what I could do? Nursery and I explain to him that biting is not ok and hurts others, but I’m not sure if he can comprehend this at this age, or even if he does, the impulse in this moment is stronger.

Biting is pretty normal at this age. Nursery needs to keep a watchful eye on your DS and intervene to stop him doing it. And if it’s happened every day for a week they are failing.

There’s nothing you can do cause you are not there and nursery telling you to ‘get it under control’ is completely pointless.

I says this as the parent of a child who got bitten and one who did the biting.

At 21 months, biting is actually quite a common phase, even though it's obviously upsetting when other children get hurt.
At that age, I don't think explaining that it hurts is likely to make a huge difference in the moment. Toddlers often bite because they're frustrated, excited, teething or simply don't yet have the language or impulse control to respond differently.
If you think teething could be part of it, it might be worth offering teething toys or something safe to chew on before nursery. It could also help to see if there's any pattern to when it happens, for example, when he's tired, excited, overwhelmed or another child gets too close.
If it continues despite trying different strategies, it might be worth discussing it with your health visitor.
Hopefully it's just a short-lived phase, as it is for many toddlers.

I’ve had the same issue with my son, however the nursery has been very understanding and suggested a Chewbuddy, which they provided and he has worn at nursery and that has reduced the incidences