How can you stop a toddler biting babies? Raisingkids.co.uk's parenting expert, Dr Pat Spungin, offers a few suggestions on how to persuade a 3 yr-old to keep her teeth to herself.

Raisingkids member's problem
My 36 month-old is sometimes rough and bites my friends' babies. She doesn't bite her baby sister but can be a bit rough and 'peevish'. Help please!

Dr Spungin's advice
I think your little girl is jealous of the baby. She may feel that she can't express her anger against her little sister at home, but she can show it with other babies. We have more information about toddlers and babies in our 1-4 Years section.

What to do? Don't over estimate her maturity. She's little more than a baby herself, though in comparison with the new baby she probably seems very mature. Make sure you are giving her enough time and attention. Create special time for her when you and she are alone. Call it 'her time' - cuddle and talk and let her be babyish if she wants.

Biting is a way to deflect attention from the baby to herself and it works because everybody focuses of what she has done. The best strategy is to deny her any attention for biting. When she bites, put your hand gently over her mouth and say sternly 'no biting'. Remove her from the situation in a matter of fact way, put her in a corner or away from you. Pay attention to the victim and turn your back on her.

Generally, while ignoring bad behaviour like biting, give attention to good behaviour. When she helps you with the baby or plays nicely with her 'catch her doing something right' and praise her for it. This way you will build up good behaviour by positive reinforcement which will drive out negative behaviour. See our Parenting Skills section for more pointers on how to reach an understanding with your child.

• More Answers From Dr Spungin
• More Biting Toddlers
• Visit Our 1-4 Years Forum and Talk About Toddlers