16 month old scratching mummy's face aggressively

[Greenwagon]

My 16 month old little girl, who has up to now, and is still in general a very loving and gentle baby, has started to lash out at my neck and face. I say 'no', or 'stop it' but she appears to think this is funny and does it again straught away. She drew blood the other day and it is beginning to get very upsetting. I have tried putting her down staight away when she does it but then she gets very upset and starts to ball her eyes out. I am not sure if she understands why I get cross. I don't know what to do - is this normal behaviour - part of a phase?! Please help!

She's learning about what reaction her actions get, but she's too young to realise much about how other people feel as a consequence. Maybe have some ideas up ready for how to distract her with a book/game/toy, if it happens again? This way you can "change the subject" before she or you get too upset.

You are right to put her straight down, firmly,..and say 'No, OUCH !..- That hurts Mummy' Don't shout,.. or scream just lower your voice and be very firm about it.
Don't let the fact that she is upset because you have put her down bother you ! She will learn !
When she is calmer you can tell her simply that she mustn't scratch or hit you, and do not be concerned whether she fully ubderstands this yet - just be consistent.

My 18 month dd has recently started hitting out at my head if we're lying on the sofa or on the bed together. Starts with a winning smile then...BAM! I tell her "No" clearly and firmly (although to start with she found this hilarious) and block and further attempts again with a clear firm "No". If it continues, I put her in her cot for a couple of minutes (door open etc). That usually does the trick

Ds is quite keen on slapping, pinching, bitting, scratching me and I tell him its hurts, I don't like it, owww, sad face etc. They don't understand other people have feelings yet and there is a lot of experimentation going on as they get more co-ordinated and dexterous.

Also I find it helps to show him gentle ways of touching eg stroking, cuddling and kissing. Saying -Gentle Gentle- to him also works when he is approaching animals or, ahem, the tv!

same here OP - headbutting, pinching etc. No advice but you're not alone!