Toddler hitting

[watermelonlipbalm]

My son is 2 years and 3 months. He isn't speaking yet. He knows a few words, the alphabet, numbers but doesn't use many words. My eldest had a speech delay aswell so I'm not overly concerned about it.
He's been through a pure hitting phases which have sort of gone away on their own accord, however, he is in the middle of an awful hitting stage. Hitting or chucking things as soon as he's bothered by soemthing or doesn't want to do it. It's got to the point where o actually worries about him being with other children.
Feeling like I'm the only person in the world going through this :(
I think he's getting frustrated easily with not being able to communicate and he just lashes out. I deal with it by saying a big NO and then moving him away. I normally ignore him whilst he calms down and then give him a cuddle.
No idea if what I'm doing is right.
Just getting fed up of looks from people.
I'm trying my best and finding thsi really stressful.
If I'm carrying him and someone talks to me he hits me.
Just feeling really overwhelmed and sad about this.
Any advice or experience will be massively appreciated.

I have no advice however I didn’t want to read and run. Please do not be upset or feel put down by other people giving you looks when this happens. People are so quick to judge without knowing facts! Sounds like you’re really trying your best and I hope someone on this forum is able to offer you advice x

It's shit but it a phase try not to worry or question yourself. The best thing you can do is manage his environment, have a fairly consistent routine so he knows what to expect. Plenty of sleep, regular meals, opportunities to release energy. When your doing new things try to give him plenty of preparation so he knows what to expect. Look for signs that he's getting agitated (if there are any) and try to preempt it with distractions. Try to avoid setting him up to fail, if he struggles on for example long car journeys, put measures in place to make things less stressful. Find a couple of things that work well as distraction- sweets iPad etc. Don't over use them, bring them out when really needed. Don't discipline or talk Whe he's in meltdown. As long as he's safe let it ride out but be close and definitely hug after. Meltdowns are scary grounding your child after and helping them feel safe is important. A NO is fine for hitting etc unless you think it's triggering the meltdown in which case find an alternative like 'stop' when's he's calm you could share books about being kind etc but don't make it about him, show him alternatives but don't make it a lecture. and praise him lots , lots of attention for behaviour you want to see. You could also try pictures/visuals if you feel his communication is an issue. It's awful when it happens publicly but try not to stop going out just stay calm, say no and move him away. If it persistently happens at a play group etc take him home but if you can keep going. It will end it's just crap to go through.

Thanks so much for the responses, I really appreciate it.
It's such a Hard phase but I need to keep reminding myself that it is just that, a phase!
I just feel like nothing it getting through to him and I wonder if I am doing the right thing 😬