6mo grabbing/pinching - but he can't help it, what can I do?

[CherryChoc]

Every time I pick up and/or breastfeed my 6mo DS he grabs my arms and squeezes as hard as he can - it feels as if he is pinching me.

I KNOW he can't help it and it's just the way he grips things but it bloody hurts!!

I have cut his nails as it's absolutely toe-curling when they are sharp but the pinching is still really painful even without the nails digging in. Is there a way to stop it? So far I have come up with wearing a thick jumper - but not v helpful as I tend to overheat, especially while feeding.

If I have to grin and bear it, how long does this stage last??

can you pop a flannel or muslin near his hands for him to grab and knead ?

I too wish it would stop! I know DS doesn't do it to hurt me but it's still really unpleasant! He's also taking to pinging my bra stap when bf. If I try holding his hand he gets really cross. Giving him something else to play with often works - a cuddly toy for example. Some people use special necklaces.

I might try that BALD, but he tends to open and close his hands so I think it would end up on the floor!