What do I do when my 7 month old baby bites me on purpose?

Answer 1

Your baby is probably teething, and/or looking to get a reaction from you that's amusing. Redirect her and give her something to chew on.

Answer 2

The flick on the cheek and a sharp 'no!' worked well for me. Yes, a child that age can definitely bite on purpose. Yes, it might occur more often during teething.

You know your child, and you know if it's purposeful or not. Either way, YOU don't have to be the teething ring.

One of my three teethed hard and early. He definitely bit both me and his older sister on purpose starting at about 6 months of age. It did occur more often during teething, but it was also purposeful. He would always teethe about two to four teeth at a time (first at 4.5 mos! Nobody should have teeth at that age, especially if they're breast fed).

Anyway, if you follow each incident with a flick on the cheek and a no! You should get the desired results. If, in one month, you child is still biting regularly, change your tactic, perhaps to a bite back (of course not leaving a mark).

It's fine to use a sharp voice. How will your child know how his behavior affects people unless he is allowed to experience the consequences? If you show him that you love him shortly thereafter, you are also showing him that it's okay to feel and express anger, while you still love somebody. A situation we all run into now and again.

Yup, there are plenty of people out there who say that any harshness is wrong. But they are all raising bona fide brats who won't be able to handle real life when it comes along. Or, they're not raising any children at all.

Answer 3

How are you able to tell that it is on purpose? I know babies who are teething like to bite down on things because their gums are uncomfortable, and sometimes, that is human skin.

I suggest firmly saying "NO" and removing the baby from your part of the body he is biting. If he returns to it, say "NO" and move him across the room. If he keeps doing it, give him a toy or cracker to chew on, while sitting him in his walker or playpen. You can try this from the onset of the biting, too. This is all I can think of that you might try. Good luck.

Answer 4

7 months old - I wouldn't do anything. They are too young to reprimand. Babies chew on EVERYTHING! It is normal. Just trade your baby with a toy to chew on if you don't like it. Your baby could be teething and your fingers prolly feel good on her gums.

I just read some of your other comments on this question and do not hurt your BABY. I see that people are referring your BABY in some of their answers as a CHILD. A 7 month old is NOT a child. They are a BABY. They have no idea what right and wrong are. They are innocent!

Answer 5

Scream out with "pain" and let him know it hurts. It may take a few times, but usually the "shock factor" will prevent them from biting. Don't whine "that hurts mommy" because a 7 mo old thinks that the whining voice is funny and will want to hear it again.

Don't bite back and don't smack.

Answer 6

I cannot believe how many people actually are telling you to flick or tap your child on the mouth or cheek. He/she is still a baby. Babies do this sort of thing, especially when teething. I wouldn't pay much mind to it, but now if he/she was 18mo-2years and was biting you , then I'd say it was on purpose. But if you want it to stop, just use a stern voice. PLEASE DON'T FLICK OR TAP YOUR BABY!!

Answer 7

It is said that babies bite due to the inablity to communicate. Teach him how to release his frustrations in other ways. I know he's young but you can never start too soon. Show him the proper ways to act when you're angry. Set an example. I wish you luck

Answer 8

I know this sounds mean and I in no way condone abuse, but my mom and I were actually talking about this the other day. My brother, when he was a baby used to bite my mom on all the time as well, my mom would tell him no repeatedly and he would never listen. One day she bit him back (not hard enough to leave marks, but hard enough to scare him) and he never bit her again lol. The point of it is to show the baby that it dosen't feel good, so they shouldn't do it. Some people may disagree with this and that is fine, but if all else fails... good luck!

Answer 9

I dont think your baby is doing it on purpose it just might seem that way becuase its so hard. When babies teeth, they bite. Plain and simple.

Answer 10

a lot of people have said bite back, and thats what i do my 11 month old son did it a few weeks ago on my leg i told him no but he kept doin it so my mum told me to bite him back , obviously not properly , not enough to hurt but just enough to shock him , i did it on his arm didnt even leave a mark so thats how soft i did it , and he hasnt even tried to do it since .