10 month old hitting faces

[Ireallywantsomechips]

My 10 month old daughter has started slapping people in the face. She’s either thinking she’s being affectionate or she’s excited, but sometimes she does do it out of anger. It’s like her way of communicating at the moment.

Obviously being only 10 months she doesn’t know right and wrong so I’ve just been ignoring it and ignoring her briefly after she does it. Then when she stops I give her lots of positive attention.

Just wanted to check if this seems right or if there is anything else I can do? I imagine it’s just a phase but I just don’t want her hitting other kids at the childminders!

I'm sure it's just a phase, but I think it's better to say 'No' firmly and move her out of reach of whoever's face she's hitting, rather than ignoring the behaviour and ignoring her afterwards - she'll have absolutely no idea what's going on.

DD did this, we just took her hand, said "no, gently!" And then showed her how to stroke softly instead. Worked really well

My 9 month old hits faces and hair pulls really hard at the moment. We say no to him to tbh hes far too young to understand. I think (hope) its a phase.

We have been saying ‘no’ in a calm but firm voice to DS who is 9 months and he puts his bottom lip out and rests his head on you for a cuddle 🥰 also if he is pulling at something he should be and we say no, he looks down and pretends to play with
his feet for a few seconds before giving a sideward glance to see if we’re looking 😂. He definitely understands no now. I think it’s just a phase they go through and don’t realise they are hurting you.

Thanks guys! Glad to know I’m not alone! I will try gentle but firm no’s so it’s still not a big reaction. I dont think she understands it but hopefully she will be about to 😂