Time Out Suggestions for 11 month old

Question

Hi there,

I have an 11 month old son who has just started biting others (he has 8 teeth), and I read a great response on this site about putting him in time out. My husband and I love this idea, and are clear about firmly saying "No Biting" and putting him in his crib or playpen for a Time Out. My question is: How long should we leave him in time out, and what are some general suggestions about when to use time out if he continues to act out? We are thinking five minutes should be fine. Thanks so much for all of your help!

~Yvette

specialmom · Accepted Answer

I think that your way of handling this sounds good.  A 'traditional' time out was what I thought you were first speaking of which . . . I'd say that most 11 month olds are developmentally too young for---------- but a firm no and sitting away from you, in front of you or in the play pen sounds like it would get the point across.  A minute is all I'd do.

I think another method for a child this age is redirect or distract.  If he is getting too close to another child, stay on it and redirect him to doing something else.  I had this "ah ah ah" thing I did too as a warning as my kids did something.  It seemed to get their attention before it happened.  

Anyway, good luck

margypops · Answer

hahah  now wouldn't that be easy one quick squirt and hes a good boy...love your sense of humor ..good luck ..

yvette2304 · Answer

Thanks, everyone! I like the idea of distraction, because we do a lot of that anyways. We have decided to accept that we need to watch him like a hawk around friends until he's older. Can't I just spray him with the cat's water bottle? (JUST KIDDING!)

Anyways, you all have been super helpful, and I'll keep you posted about his upcoming play dates.

AnnieBrooke · Answer

Time out is supposed to be used as "time away," basically to get the kid out of the mindset where he was when he was starting to bite.  Being alert to the response that he might be about to bite, and distracting him right then, is actually better.  But if you want to use a time out, the rule of thumb is no more than one minute per year old.  Five minutes is too long.  He won't know why he's there if you leave him that long, and the learning will be lost.

margypops · Answer

I think the method you have spoken about here is a good idea, he doesn't have to be in his playpen or crib long , few mins will be okay,the fact that you firmly , said No and placed him away from you will let him know biting is not okay .I think he will soon get it .I have always found distraction works well, when he is about to bite ..

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