Biting and other frustrations of babies
Month 16
Your
baby's teeth may look small, but don't underestimate the pain they can cause.
An angry toddler can turn his teeth into a weapon against anyone who bullies
him, whether it's a parent saying no or a kid stealing a toy from the
playground.
Don't
panic if your child bites. This is perfectly normal for his developmental stage
and is a sign of your little one's frustration.
Most
often, children bite when they want something, such as toys or your attention.
Knowing your child's triggers and avoiding such situations can prevent them
from biting and help you avoid embarrassing excuses.
Let
her know that you sympathize with her frustrations. Tell him how he feels and
help him work on his speech so he can find other ways to let off steam.
Your baby's development this month
What
happened to that chubby, sweet baby you brought home from the hospital? Now
that your little one has begun to move, the baby fat is melting away and he
looks more like a baby.
During
this second year:
- Your child's growth has slowed significantly. In the first few months he gained about 1800 grams, but for the entire second year he will gain from 1350 to 2250 grams.
- He is thinner than he was in childhood. Her once plump belly, face, arms and legs have lost weight while walking, running and jumping.
Tips for 16 month olds
- If your child bites, do not overreact. Say simply but firmly: "Don't bite" or "Biting hurts." Keep repeating the message until he gets it.
- If your child has been bitten, wash the bitten area with soap and warm water. Check with your pediatrician if the bite breaks through the skin.
- Toddlers fight over toys because they haven't learned to share. Play games that do not require trading, such as hide and seek.
- Don't keep your little one locked up indoors - let him run around in your garden or park under supervision.
- Track your little one's progress on a growth chart with the help of your pediatrician to make sure he's keeping up with other kids his age.
- Protect your home from children. Block stairs, close exits, block medicines and sharp objects, and stay vigilant.
- Your baby should have gone from a bottle to a non-spill cup. Fill it up with healthy drinks like whole milk, water and 100% fruit juice (no more than 120-180 ml of juice per day) - no carbonated or other sugary drinks!