8 month old - grabbing other children

[marshaF]

Hi there,
I'm just looking for some advice about my 8 month old. He started crawling about a month ago and is very physical, always on the
go. When we go to baby groups I like to let him crawl about and play, and to be around the other babies and toddlers (whilst watching him!) . The problem is that he is goes up to other children and will grab at them, often faces, and handfuls of hair. I am usually able to intercept this when I see it about to happen. I do tell him no, but not sure it does any good at this age? I feel like i have to do something so he knows it's wrong but I want him to be able to play with the others; I'm worried about him hurting them though, and other mothers are obviously not impressed.

Anyone have any experience of this or advice for me?

Thanks

My 10 month old dd is the same so will be interesting to hear others experiences

I'm fairly sure this is just normal development - my 3 yo DD did it and her 8 mo little brother is doing exactly the same. So long as you are watching him properly I don't think anyone will be judging you!

In the same boat so watching for ideas!

All babies do it (am a Mum of 4dc) - my twins were almost constantly prodding and pulling each other, when children are non verbal they lead with physical interaction (if you think about it, bet they do it to you all the time).

A gentle 'no' and a moving of hands that are too rough is fine. I am sure that other Mums know it is perfectly normal, try not to over think it!

He won't understand no or the concept of something being wrong at this age, if you are able to hold his hand when he goes to do this, pick him up and move him maybe.
Give him toys for just him to play with, he can be let loose to socialise when a bit bigger, maybe.
mine used to grab hair and faces when you picked them up, I just held their hand so they couldn't do it.

Just say 'no' and say 'gentle hands' or whatever and stroke their own hands. Or you can say 'we say hello' even if your baby won't be able to say 'hello' for a while, it's good to start them getting socialised. (Somewhat like encouraging them to say 'hello' and 'bye' to guests long before they can).