12mo hitting and scratching faces

[cosmicdust]

My 12 mo ds has taken to hitting and scratching faces, stealing glasses etc. He does it when he's excited and really happy to see people. Trouble is, when he does it to other babies they tend not to be too happy about it...any suggestions about how to stop this behaviour?
Thanks!

Have a look at the mumsnet tv toddler biting tips, I know he's not biting but the technique they show might work with scratching! Good luck!

He'll grow out of it. [no help whatsoever emoticon]

With DD1 I used to say No and put her down on the floor for a few moments if she did it (mainly to protect my face) It didn't bother her and distracted her so when I picked her up again it'd be forgotten about. They soon get the message. No idea if that stopped it or if she simply grew out of it? But it stopped my face from being scratched