Don’t worry –even though it seems as if your child is destined to be a future delinquent when they start biting, this is really very normal in lots of children. There are a number of reasons why they might do this. At a slightly earlier stage than your son, as you will know, they start putting absolutely everything in their mouths. This is really just one of the ways babies learn about the world –how things feel and taste, and they are very likely to start biting at this stage. Then there is teething, when again they are very likely to bite almost anything. This can be to ease uncomfortable gums. By the time they are your son’s age they might be doing it to get a reaction. If in the past you reacted very strongly to biting, they can do it again to get a similar reaction. This may seem odd but from a baby’s point of view, it gives them a little bit of power and excitement! The trick is to try and behave as calmly as possible, not shouting or over-reacting when he does try to bite. You are doing absolutely the right thing by gently stopping him, but I think at 15 months he does also understand quite a bit of what you’re saying, so talking to him about it is also useful, but not in any complicated way. Just get down to his level, make eye contact, and say in a very firm voice “We don’t bite. That hurts, and you don’t bite mummy.” Then ignore his protests for 30 seconds or so. You may have to do this quite a few times.

Prevention is always better than cure so have a look at the situations where it is happening and change things so that the biting is less likely. You could for example try reins instead of holding his hand or give him something else to suck when you have to hold his hand, or hold your hand well away from his mouth so he can’t reach.

I’m not suggesting you would, but some people advocate biting a child back to show it hurts. This is never a good idea.

Hi guys I need some advice.My 15 month old son has just started biting.We don't know how to handle it as he is so strong willed.He bites our hand if we try to hold his hand to guide him somewhere or move him out of a dangers situation.The only advice I have found in a book is to talk to him when he does this and tell him how much it hurts.He is only 15 month and he's not got a clue what we are telling him.Any ideas to nip this in the bud quickly.?