Strong baby -- need some advice

Maybe this is completely normal in which case that would be great! DS is 7 months old. I call him bam-bam lately because he really is strong and I feel like he beats me up all the time When I hold him he likes to take me by the head and bring my face in as close to his mouth as possible so he can gum my nose, cheek, chin, whatever he can get to. And I feel like I can't separate him from me because he has such a tight hold. Turns out he does this to his teachers at daycare too. Not sure if it is teething, affection or aggression. They've told me that he reaches out to other children and tries to suck on them too. It sounds cute at first but when I think about it he can really hurt someone. Especially when he finally gets teeth. Another thing, probably the worst thing, is that he is a really bad hair puller. He has this way of grabbing at a few strands right at my hairline and yanking it so I see stars. Even when he sleeps he likes to grab hold of my hair, my nose, ears. You name it. And he hurts!!!! So, i'm concerned that this might turn into him being labeled as an aggressive child. What do you think I can do to make him a little more gentle? I have started to tell him "no" and have him stroke my face nicely to encourage it but he's not taking to it yet. Any other ideas or do you think this is just a normal phase? TIA!

Message edited 2/24/2008 9:19:07 PM.

Re: Strong baby -- need some advise

My DS likes to gum my cheeks and nose too. He is gentle though. He usually does it after I kiss his cheek. He gives "kisses". He likes to grab at glasses and hair too. I think it is a phase.

Re: Strong baby -- need some advice

A lot of babies soothe themselves with banging. Its very common for babies to bang their heads while falling to sleep or to settle themselves. So it may be your DC's way of self soothing.

If you are concerned, I'd bring it up at your next doc visit.

Re: Strong baby -- need some advice

ds (9 months) is exactly the same way. i could've written your post word for word. today he even sratched my nose (it bled) and bumped his head into my lip (got a fat lip.) i hope it's just a phase other wise i'll be a mess by the time he turns a year!

Re: Strong baby -- need some advice

aww...he just doesn't realize his strength my nephew was like that he would pull our clothes

as he gets older just show him how to touch softly

Re: Strong baby -- need some advice

My DD does the same thing, she's 7 months...she's always pulling my hair (& any strings on my shirts...for hoods, etc.), she pulls DH's glasses & likes to rock when I hold her so I've gotten hit in the nose, eye, mouth by her often. I totally think its a phase & especially the gumming b/c the teething lately has gotten worse. I wouldn't worry about him being labeled aggressive at this point.

Re: Strong baby -- need some advice

Lisa, my DS is the same way. He is about 5.5 months and lately, I feel assaulted after I hold him sometimes! He pulls my hair, ***** on my chin with such force, even feels like he is clawing for my eyes sometimes.

I am hoping that this is just something he will grow out of! (OK, maybe praying!!! )

Let's just say you are not alone with Matthew!!!

Re: Strong baby -- need some advice

thanks ladies...i feel better. The sucking on my face thing I find really sweet. I think he does it to mimick kissing me. I'm definately going to continue to show him how to be gentle and hope he grows out of this. Especially since I *think* he has a tooth ready to pop through. OUCH, that would hurt. As it is when he chews on my nose it feels like I just got hit in the face with a basketball. Know the feeling? Thanks again everyone!!!