Anyone out there got a biter?

[nikkifox]

Please help!
I am a young (24) stay at home mom with a wonderful nine month daughter (Willa Shine). We've both been teething for the past few months (my wisdom teeth are coming in at the same time as hers, so I know what she must be going through). Now that she has both top and bottom teeth, she's starting biting me, not only on my nipples but my hands, legs, shoulders, anything she can wrap her mouth around. It's about to drive me crazy! I'm starting to feel helpless. I try to tell her no nicely, she keeps biting. I tell her no firmly, she bursts into tears and then bites again. I think that sometimes she's trying to tell me that she's bored (in the grocery store), sleepy, or wanting to nurse. I am worried that she is getting bored with me....I don't have much help with her, she's never been to a daycare or babysitter, my family doesn't live anywhere around, and my husband works ALOT and just doesnt make the time in his busy life to care for her. My major concern is that it is somehow my anger and daily frustrations manifesting itself in her. None of the moms I know have had this problem with such a young baby (toddlers, yes). Does anyone have any suggestions? Is there something I'm doing wrong? Will this (hopefully) pass when the rest of her teeth come in? I'd love to hear from anyone who can help. Thanks!

[Holland73]

Teething is such a rough time. In our house, it seems to be never-ending. I am also counting the days until all of his teeth are in!

She is biting because her teeth and gums are really hurting her. Biting on something is instinctual and often makes it feel much better. Telling her no will not do anything, as she is too young to understand.

What works for ds was to put a liquid filled teething ring in the freezer for 5-10 minutes, then rub it between my hands until it is not completely frozen and a bit wet. He would chew on that ring for 20 minutes straight. What also works is a wet washcloth in the frig and/or freezer for 5-10 minutes. Ds also likes to chomp on cold apples from the frig.

You could also try the teething gels, which will numb the areas for awhile. My grandma swears by Sambucca, but I have not used any alcohol with ds, although I can see why it would work (the high level of alcohol content).

So, please don't take it too personally when she is chomping on you. She is not doing it for any other reason than because she is hurting. Hang in there mama! It does get better!

[aguacates]

My 11 mo dd is also a biter. I have found two things that work to some degree. 1. homeopathic teething remedies 2. CONSTANT VIGILANCE--I can't take my eyes off her, especially her teeth and their proximity to my body. I see it like this, since she doesn't know that biting hurts, 11 month olds are incapable of empathy, and I do know, it is my job to keep myself safe until she can understand this.

s to you. I know how isolating it can be to live in Maine and not have much of a support system.