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Original poster

Aggressive baby behaviour

16 replies

Bella8 · 26/10/2017 18:16

My 8 month old has been pulling hair for awhile now which I know can be typical for babies. However, DS has now started grabbing people's throats (usually mine.) He doesn't easily let go and it really hurts. I firmly say 'no' as I know at this age they are starting to understand tones of voice. I also know though that their memories are very small short. Any other suggestions on ways of handling this? Thank you.

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Original poster
Bella8 · 26/10/2017 18:17

should say short only

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Therealslimshady1 · 26/10/2017 18:18

Babies cannot be aggressive, he has no awareness of hurting you

cestlavielife · 26/10/2017 18:19

He is not aggressive.
Babies don't do this with malice.
He just needs to be diverted . Offer something else to grab

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Original poster
Bella8 · 26/10/2017 18:25

Sorry I was only meaning that his action was aggressive; he obviously doesn't mean it. Thanks for your suggestions. DS has a lot of sensory stimulation I think he has too much to grab so he is beginning to think my neck is a play thing!

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BertieBotts · 26/10/2017 18:27

It's just a reflex at this age. He's learning to grab things and your neck happens to be close. Nothing to do with how many other things he has to grab.

You can't really teach him not to do it, he'll grow out of it when he gets better control over his arms and hands. Until then just try and hold him facing out or further away from your neck unless he's all sleepy and cuddly.

pastabest · 26/10/2017 18:30

My 9 month old has a thing about noses. She grabs them really hard, she's even drawn blood before when she was overdue a nail trim. It's not aggressive just inquisitive.

Fucking hurts though.

It's just a phase. I just keep saying no and remove her hand, and warn anyone unsuspecting who puts their face within reach of her claws. If they don't listen that is kind of their fault.

She will get it eventually. Hopefully.

Original poster
Bella8 · 26/10/2017 18:38

Thanks pastabest. Oh yeah it bloody hurts alright. I've bruises on my throat, the little monkey gets me right on my windpipe ouch! I'm looking forward to this phase passing.

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primarnoodle · 26/10/2017 18:39

My dd started biting and grabbing around 9 months - im pretty sure by 1 year she knew it was something she shouldnt do as it always coincided with her having a whinge aboht something. I did what you did and just said no firmly and put her down for a couple of seconds then we had a cuddle and continued..

Now at 14 months shes just about grown out of it so i think it must be a developmental phase?

primarnoodle · 26/10/2017 18:40

And yes to the nose grabbing! Argh!!

Original poster
Bella8 · 26/10/2017 18:46

Thank you primarnoodle. I completely agree with you and think it may be a developmental thing. DS has been very frustrated as he's trying to sit up unaided and hasn't quite managed it yet. That coupled with the teething has made for one very hot headed little chap. It must be very frustrating for babies wanting to do so much but not being yet able. Lots of cuddles and kisses will hopefully get him through this funky phase!

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Original poster
Bella8 · 26/10/2017 18:47

And oh yes the nose grabbing; if only they knew it was attached 😬

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Fekko · 26/10/2017 18:47

Watch out for earrings and glasses. These are also very popular!

Original poster
Bella8 · 26/10/2017 18:49

Haha DS hasn't gone for the earrings yet but there's still time! He has however grabbed DH's glasses on more than a couple of occasions...🙄

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Aquamarine1029 · 26/10/2017 21:53

My daughter did this at the same age except it was biting my nipple when she was nursing. Like a damn crocodile. I would say no very firmly and set her down for a minute, and she knew I was not pleased. Thankfully, this charming phase didn't last long.

mindutopia · 26/10/2017 22:14

Just gently pull his hand away if you don't want it. It's very typical for them to do this. It's like cats kneeding if you've ever seen one do that. It's a comfort thing. Mine actually pinches my neck (it's not painful, I've taught her to do it gently as I don't mind as long as it doesn't hurt). She's 4 now and still does it if she gets upset and I'm holding her to comfort her. She's done it since she was a baby. It's much like you twisting your hair or biting your nails absentmindedly. Some people get necklaces specially made that they can touch and play with if you don't like the grabbing and pinching. But otherwise, just move his hand away. It will eventually pass. They don't realise you don't like it at this age, so I'd not make a big deal out of it.

Original poster
Bella8 · 27/10/2017 16:06

Thanks mindutopia I never thought of it being a comfort thing but what you said makes a lot of sense.

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