Anyone else got a feral baby?

[LaTristesse]

DS is 9mo, and when tired or frustrated gets a bit feral, by which I mean bitey, scratchy, bashy... in a very angry way.

Is this normal, or am I going to have trouble on my hands when he's older? My face already looks like I've been got at by a tiger...

[onimolap]

I was hoping for a thread about rehabilitation after raising by wolves.....

I'd say it's pretty normal, and whilst he's this small I don't think you can do much other than dodge. I wouldn't worry yet about what he'll be like when he's older and capable of being taught. And if you're lucky he'll grow out of it spontaneously anyhow.

[HeathcliffMoorland]

I have no personal experience. I could get flamed for this, but I'm just relaying information.

My SIL had a similar problem. When it happened, she would put the baby down. He was too young for explanations, but seemed to be able to deduce that he scratches and then is not allowed to stay in her arms. She is generally a very soft (not lax) parent, but took a zero tolerance view on hitting from very early on.

The disadvantage I might predict is that your baby may deduce that if he wants to get down he should hit... All the same, it worked for her.

[Shelly32]

Flamed LMAO!!! Say what you want to say and don't be afraid of the MN mafia!!! I think what you pointed out was more than reasonable! So many people feel like they need to explain themselves to other to the point of ridiculousness. We all have our own ways of doing things and no one should sit on high and be able to judge unless there is something obviously wrong happening...let's see the MN mafia jump on THAT comment!! 'What's 'wrong'? 'What's obviously wrong'?' blah blah blah...

[PerArduaAdNauseum]

would you care for a pombear shelly?

[MoonFaceMamaaaaargh]

Ds. 9m, is exactly like this.

I've realised it worse when I want him to go to sleep...that time when I'm tired and want to feed him and "put him away" for the evening (or half an hour)

Often at these times he isn't quite ready and still wants to play and so grabs and bites etc..I figure this is a tired clumsy frustrated sort of play.

If I put him down to play for another half hour he is then often more ready for his evening feed and will go on without too much trouble (though my belly is covered in scratches from his free hand!)

I certainly don't think it's a sign of any long term problem or aggresion or any thing! I think he'll grow out of it

[LaTristesse]

Lovely, thanks for the replies all. Moonface... I'll join you with the crossed fingers!