Biting

RClaffee

We have been having issues with biting lately. Abby and Lil are both obsessed with mouths and like to stick their fingers in any mouth available. Unfortunately, they like to stick their fingers in each other's mouths, and of course biting happens.

Both have been chomped a couple times, but until today, it was no big deal. This morning Abby bit Lil so hard that she drew blood. It was pretty awful and resulted in two crying babies and one crying mommy. I called the pedi and not we have to have Lil on antibiotics for ten days. 

I feel awful that this happened, but I am sort of at a loss as to where to go from here. I think it is way to early to try to teach them not to bite. I am about 100% sure that Abby has no idea that she was the cause of all the crying this morning. I can't imagine separating them and not letting them play together. I was sitting right there when this happened, but it all just happened so fast that when I reached out to get Lil's hand out of Abby's mouth, it was too late. 

Anyway, how would you handle this? Should I just chalk it up to an unfortunate accident and just keep a closer eye out? Or would you try to keep them an arm's length apart? When do you think I can start teaching them not to bite? 

chocoholicchick

Poor babies (and you)!  Why does your LO need antibiotics after a bite though?  I am clueless so I didn't realize bites can be that serious.

As far as teaching your girls, I don't think it is too early to start teaching them something in hopes that they will eventually get it later on.  For example, DS is pretty rough with anybody and anything so I try to tell him "gentle, gentle" and guide his hand when he tries to grab/pinch/slap my face.  I do the same thing when he does it to the cat, a friend during a play group, etc.  I've repeated "gentle, gentle" enough that he finally seems to lighten up his heavy hands the last few days I've said it.  

FWIW, I try to correct DS in an even tone so that he doesn't associate the action as something that can get my attention quickly.   

RClaffee

chocoholicchick:

Poor babies (and you)!  Why does your LO need antibiotics after a bite though?  I am clueless so I didn't realize bites can be that serious.

As far as teaching your girls, I don't think it is too early to start teaching them something in hopes that they will eventually get it later on.  For example, DS is pretty rough with anybody and anything so I try to tell him "gentle, gentle" and guide his hand when he tries to grab/pinch/slap my face.  I do the same thing when he does it to the cat, a friend during a play group, etc.  I've repeated "gentle, gentle" enough that he finally seems to lighten up his heavy hands the last few days I've said it.  

FWIW, I try to correct DS in an even tone so that he doesn't associate the action as something that can get my attention quickly.   

Apparently, anytime a bite breaks the skin and is on the hands or face, the baby needs antibiotics. The mouth is a pretty gross place.

We try to tell them "no no, not in the mouth" when they are sticking their fingers in each other's and our mouths. I think they understand "gentle" (we have a cat, so that gets used a lot), but just associate that with no hitting. Maybe they just don't understand what I am talking about yet as this is a newish obsession. 

MrsPBNJ0220

I am so sorry and I hope she is okay.  I also hope you are.  I know it isn't a way of teaching but maybe until you can teach them, while you are trying, maybe you could get them gloves and put those on them if they are going to be playing together.  That's the only suggestion I can make.

MrsI

DD started biting when she got her first tooth.  We would tell her "no biting" and touch her lips so hopefully a conection was made.  She stopped pretty quickly so not sure if it worked or was just because her teeth felt better.  I don't think it is too early to tell them "no" especially if it can get dangerous or someone can get hurt.  It will take some time to associate  no with multiple actions though so just stay consistant.   GL what a rough day!