Lykkers, have you ever been suddenly bitten or hit by your baby, and wondered: "Why did they do that?" You're definitely not alone! Many parents feel shocked or even a little hurt when their sweet little one suddenly lashes out.

Today, let's explore this behavior together. Why do babies bite or hit? What are they really trying to say? And most importantly—how can we gently guide them?

They're Exploring with Their Mouth

Babies experience the world differently from us. For them, biting is often just a way to explore. Especially during teething, their gums feel itchy or sore, and biting brings relief. So when they bite a toy—or sometimes, us—they're not being "bad," they're just trying to understand what they feel. We can offer teething toys, chilled fruits (if age-appropriate), or safe rubber rings to help them redirect this urge.

They Can't Talk Yet

At around 1 to 3 years old, many toddlers still can't express their feelings well with words. So what happens? They use actions instead. If they're frustrated, excited, overwhelmed, or even just trying to get attention, they might bite or hit as a form of communication. They're not trying to hurt us—they're saying, “I don't yet know how to explain what I feel.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics explains that “young children often bite because they do not yet have the language skills to express strong feelings.”

That's when we step in with calm and understanding.

They're Copying What They See

Sometimes, babies bite or hit because they've seen others do it—maybe at daycare or even on TV. They're curious: "What happens if I do this?" It's not about being aggressive. It's more like testing boundaries. When we respond consistently and gently, they learn what's okay and what's not. We can show them better ways to handle big feelings or solve little conflicts.

They're Trying to Get Control

Toddlers are growing fast. Their brains are full of new thoughts, but their ability to control their actions hasn't caught up yet. This makes them more impulsive. A quick slap or bite is often a reaction, not a plan. They're still learning self-control. What we can do is stay calm, model gentle behavior, and teach them slowly with patience.

Our Reaction Matters Most

When our baby bites or hits, we might feel upset—but shouting or reacting harshly can actually scare or confuse them. Instead, we can gently say things like: "I won't let you bite. That hurts." Then, show them a better way to express themselves. A calm and firm tone works better than a loud or angry one. Over time, they'll understand.

Teach Through Repetition and Love

Babies don't learn new behaviors in one day. We need to repeat the same loving lessons again and again. Use short, simple phrases like "Gentle hands," "We use words," or "Let's take a deep breath." And praise them when they respond well! "You didn't hit when you were mad—great job!" These small wins help shape their behavior long-term.

We're in This Together

Dear Lykkers, raising a baby is full of moments that surprise us—and not always in a peaceful way! If your baby bites or hits, don't panic or feel guilty. It's a stage, not a personality. With love, patience, and some clear guidance, we can help them grow out of it.

Have you experienced this with your little one? What worked best for you? Share your thoughts—we'd love to hear your story! Let's learn and grow together, one baby step at a time.