Slap-Happy 9-Month-Old

[NotQuiteCockney]

My DS2 is a bit slap-happy at the moment. Often, when I'm carrying him, he grunts at me, and slaps me fairly hard on the chest. I don't know how intentional this is, he slaps lots of things. It doesn't hurt much, unless he's holding something and hits me in the face.

Do I put him down when he hits? Do I wait until he's older to sort it out?

Does anyone else have a slap-happy baby?

[hunkermunker]

I would catch hold of his hand, look him in the face and say "no" but I'm dead strict, me.

[charleepeters]

i do! DS hits and pincehes and pulls hair ect - i have tried sayning no firmly but he laughs! so im afraid im not much help! if you find an answer let me know

[Lonelymum]

I agree with HM's approach. Don't just allow it to happen as he will carry on doing it and it will hurt more as he gest older! On the other hand, it isn't bad enough for you to put him down.

Some children are like this aren't they? My youngest has always been a bit of a hitter for no apparent reason. He still slaps me in the face for "fun" and he is 2.5. Needlesstosay, I don't tolerate it!

[NotQuiteCockney]

Yeah, I probably do have to put my foot down, so to speak. I find it kinda cute still, particularly as it seems so ... intentional. I do something, he grunts at me, and slaps me. Well, it's not cute written down, but it's cute when he does it.

[dejags]

DS2 (10 months) does this all the time. I read that it's a sure sign of affection.

Not sure that trying to say no at this age would be very effective. I do tell my DS no, but more as a way of introducing him to the concept, I don't expect him to understand just yet.

[ruty]

my ds is 10 months and he has a habit of biting my nipple very hard, but now when i say 'no' loudly he immediately stops, thank goodness! So he does seem to understand. He also slaps my chest, but i don't think it is intentional, i don't mind at the moment but this might change.

[Chickyboo]

My DD has been hitting my face...I think it is a sign of affection but I still said NO loudly and she seemed to stop then she started shouting it back at me I couldn't beleive it .

I don't want her first word to be no[shockwink].

So I now say it very quietly and frimly semms to be working so far.