Baby being rough, just a phase? Any advice

[Tactleneck]

Dd (dc3) is nearly 8 months and is incredibly rough with me. She's bf and co-sleeps so during feeds or at night she pinches, scratches and generally grabs any flesh. When she sits on my lap she also headbutts me. I have scratch marks all over my chest, tummy etc.

I know it's just a phase she'll grow out of but any tips for encouraging her to be gentle? I've tried a nursing necklace, moving her hand and saying no but she just thinks it's a game! It's starting to drive me batty especially at night when I'm half asleep and grumpy

My little girl can be a little like this and started at a similar age to your little one.... She's 11 months now and much better but I have had to be quite firm with her.

When she grabs/pinches/pulls just say ouch, quickly grab her hand and move it away and very firmly and confidently say no. And keep her nails trimmed short lol

Like I said my little girl was the same but it much more gentle now

Does she have a comforter? Just wondering if she had something else to grab it might spare you a bit. Sounds like she's a child who needs to touch something, DD was quite similar and she has always loved to stroke/bite/squeeze her comforters.

My little boy goes through phases (he's 11 months) he thinks head butts are hilarious(?!)

He is sometimes pinchy, scratchy and um, I guess I'd say enthusiastically rough.

It does change and drop off as he learns a new skill/ development though.

We try to teach him the word gentle. I stroke his face and arms whilst saying it and if he gets over excited take his hands and guide him to more gentle/careful touch. I avoid the word no and instead explain it is unkind/hurts so he will (hopefully) start to understand, I usually put on a sad face then a happy, smiley face and tone when I say 'gentle'.

Distraction is a good technique too! I bought a fiddle bead necklace for nursing which has helped and make sure I wear a t-shirt to co sleep with him and keep his nails short too so we avoid accidental scratching!

Hope some of that might be useful to you. I don't know if it will work in the long term but it seems to help a little! He doesn't hair pull anymore!

Good luck with your little bruiser!

Ooh see you tried nursing necklace...

A muslin/blankie might be better.

It's frustrating repeating yourself but I think repetition is all they understand this young!