How do I get my toddler to stop pinching my boob/nipple

[AvadaKadavra]

Not AIBU, so sorry to post here it gets quite a bit of traffic.

I've only really noticed that she's doing it since lockdown. She's nearly 20 months and and I can only assume it is for comfort. I haven't breastfed since last summer.

It's not too bad when she's going to sleep as it's hard work getting her to sleep so anything that makes it easier but sometimes she does it randomly and just comes over and pinches my boob, does it to my mum too.

Is this normal? How do I stop it or will she just grow out of it?

@Nottherealslimshady how is she supposed to understand consent and not touching without asking!? She can't ask? I guess you expect her to socially distance herself as well

I'll try another type comforter, a lot has changed for her as with many children so I'm pretty sure it's a comfort thing, she hasn't always done it.

Ideally it'd be better if you can grab her hand and stop her before she does the actual touching/pinching.

Try yelping loudly in pain and moving away and doing the sad face, this is what I'm doing to try and show my son that the stove is dangerous.

Speak sternly to her when she does it.

I think the idea of pinching back is to show the child it's not nice, the idea being "don't do to others what you don't want done to you". But I agree it's a little bit of a childish way to deal with it.

Can you get one of these worry balls that people are supposed to squish in their hands ? Maybe she'd like to pinch that instead ? You might even find one boob shaped on amazon

Something like this (not advertising anything, this is purely an exemple)

www.amazon.co.uk/Purple-Ladybug-Changing-Squishy-Squeeze/dp/B083F6VH81/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=Stress+ball&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1589875054&sr=8-6

@AvadaKadavra I meant like sart introducing the idea I to your language kind of thing. I think it's easier to understand when it's been a constant message "no sweetie we dont touch people like that, it's not nice" like use it as the very beginning of a very long message about what we cant do to other peoples bodies. If you know what I mean?
Just an idea, just trying to help, thought it would help frame the message into something that makes sense and is clear rather than it feeling like you're telling her off or being nasty.

Wow start into

Trust me when my two went through a stage of pinching I turned and pinched them back and I did so said hurts doesn't it? Do not do it again. Short sharp lesson and they never ever did it again to me or anyone else. All this pandering around. ( Sigh)

Not a childish way to deal with it. It's a short sharp lesson they won't forget in a hurry and it works. By the time you sit there trying to explain what they can and can't do they will be confused, bored and will repeat it again very shortly.

Maylsh maybe she just shouldn't pinch at all!