How to Stop a Child from Biting at Daycare

Biting can be a challenging stage for both children and parents. If your little one has started biting at nursery, it’s important to remember that this is a very common behaviour in the early years. Many children go through a biting phase as they develop communication, emotions, and social skills.

The good news is there are plenty of gentle and effective ways to address it. In this blog, we’ll explore how to stop a child from biting at daycare, why it happens, and what both parents and nurseries can do to support children through this stage with calm and care.

Why Do Children Bite?

Before looking at how to stop a child from biting at daycare, it helps to understand why biting happens in the first place. Most of the time, it’s not about “bad behaviour” at all — it’s simply part of early development.

Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Teething: Sore gums can make children want to bite down on something to relieve discomfort.

• Communication: Young children who don’t yet have the words to express frustration, anger, or needs may resort to biting.

• Attention: Sometimes biting is a way of getting a quick reaction from adults or peers.

• Exploration: For very young toddlers, biting is another way of exploring the world, much like touching or tasting.

• Strong emotions: Anger, excitement, or overstimulation can all lead to impulsive biting.

Understanding these reasons is the first step in learning how to stop a child from biting at daycare, because it helps adults respond with empathy rather than frustration. Recognising that it’s usually a temporary stage makes it easier to approach the behaviour calmly.

How We Handle Biting at Poppies Nursery

At Poppies, our team has lots of experience supporting children through challenging behaviours in a calm and nurturing way. While biting isn’t something we see often in our nurseries, we know it can happen and we’re always prepared.

When it comes to how to stop a child from biting at daycare, we focus on gentle guidance, reassurance, and consistency. Here’s what we do:

• Immediate and calm response: If biting occurs, we gently separate the children involved and comfort the child who has been hurt. This helps prevent escalation and shows that safety comes first.

• Clear, simple language: Using phrases like “Biting hurts” helps children begin to understand the impact of their actions. We avoid shaming, instead keeping it simple and kind.

• Offer alternatives: For children who are teething or need sensory input, we provide teething toys or other safe objects to bite. This redirects the behaviour in a positive way.

• Model communication: We encourage children to use words, gestures, or Makaton to express how they’re feeling instead of biting. Over time, this gives them more effective tools.

• Positive reinforcement: We praise children for gentle play, sharing, and kind behaviour. Highlighting the positive helps them see what to do instead of focusing only on what not to do.

This calm and consistent approach is at the heart of how to stop a child from biting at daycare in a way that teaches rather than punishes.

How Parents Can Help at Home

Working together is the best way to figure out how to stop a child from biting at daycare. The strategies children learn at home and in nursery should reinforce each other, creating consistency. Here are some helpful things you can try at home:

• Stay calm: Children look to adults for cues. A calm response helps reduce tension and prevents biting from becoming a way to seek dramatic reactions.

• Use consistent language: Short, simple phrases like “No biting” or “Biting hurts” work best. Using the same words at home and nursery reinforces the message.

• Identify triggers: Pay attention to when biting tends to happen. Is it when your child is tired, hungry, or transitioning between activities? Noticing patterns can help you prevent incidents before they occur.

• Encourage expression: Teach your child ways to express themselves, such as pointing, using simple words, or even practicing “stop” or “help” with you. The more communication tools they have, the less likely they’ll rely on biting.

• Give extra comfort: Sometimes biting signals a need for reassurance. Offering cuddles, one-to-one attention, or calming activities can meet that need more effectively.

• Provide alternatives at home: Just like nursery, keep a few safe teething toys or chewable objects handy for those moments when biting seems irresistible.

When families use the same strategies at home and in nursery, it makes a huge difference. Consistency is the key to success when learning how to stop a child from biting at daycare.

Working Together: Nursery and Parents as a Team

The most effective way to manage biting is through teamwork between parents and nursery staff. This partnership is essential when figuring out how to stop a child from biting at daycare. If your child has started biting, talk openly with their key person at nursery. Share what you’re seeing at home and ask what they’ve noticed during the day.

Together, you can spot patterns, discuss strategies, and make sure everyone is responding in the same way. This united approach helps children learn much faster because they see clear, consistent boundaries.

At Poppies, we keep communication open and supportive. Parents are never judged, we know that biting is a normal stage, and we’re here to help families work through it with kindness and understanding.

A Normal Part of Growing Up

It can feel worrying if your child goes through a biting phase, but it’s important to remember they are not “naughty” they are learning. With patience, guidance, and teamwork between parents and nursery staff, children soon outgrow the habit.

If you’re looking for advice on how to stop a child from biting at daycare, our team at Poppies Nursery is here to support you. We understand the ups and downs of early childhood and are always happy to work with parents on gentle, effective solutions.

In the bigger picture, biting is just one small part of development. Children grow out of it as they gain words, social skills, and emotional awareness. What matters most is that they feel supported, loved, and guided along the way.

Final Thoughts on How to Stop a Child from Biting at Daycare

The question of how to stop a child from biting at daycare can feel daunting in the moment, but it’s reassuring to know it’s a temporary stage many children experience. By staying calm, offering consistent guidance, and working closely with your nursery, you can help your little one learn healthier ways to cope with their big feelings.

At Poppies, we see these early years as a time of incredible growth and sometimes, a few challenges too. Our role is to walk alongside families with understanding and encouragement. If your child is going through a biting stage, know that you’re not alone and that with patience and teamwork, this stage will pass.