6 month old pinching/scratching

[springbride]

Hi Ladies,
DD is 6.5mo old and over the last week has developed a desire to pinch and grab things. Unfortunately, she doesn't know how to not hurt mommy! I have scratches all over my chest and especially while nursing I feel like I'm getting beat up. She got me good on my face yesterday

I need help! I don't know what to do and it's making me very frustrated!

[Amatullah0]

i've got the same problem!

i hold ds's arm, and make sure the other arm isn't able to reach my breast/face, if he lets me. other times i've tried a pillow or blanket and moving my face away from the grabby-scratchy hand. some people find a nursing necklace works(or any, long, don't-mind-if-it-gets-broken necklace.) i've considered swaddling him, but i don't think he would let me, and i don't have a good blanket for that that is big enough.

at this age, i don't think he can learn not to hit/grab/scratch, i mean, he doesn't realize he's doing it, much less could he realize that its hurting mommy!

[tzs]

totally normal and yeah, little kids don;t know they are hurting you.
i would still do something like say "ouch!" and turn my head away...to let them know it hurts and not give positive reinforcement for it.

[pearl2]

My boobs look like they've lost a fight with a hamster or something

[lifeguard]

Ds is JUST now getting better from this. I just remove his hand over & over & over & over.

[GoldmanBaby09]

I have this teething necklace and it has helped alot with the pinching and scratching. It gives DS something to play with in his hands while he nurses. I also try and keep his arm against my stomach rather than let his arm pinch the mole near my arm pit. Ouch!

[journeywooz]

Originally Posted by pearl2

My boobs look like they've lost a fight with a hamster or something

i know that one too well.

[corrie_cat]

I don't know if this is relevant to your baby or not, but I found that my babe pinch/scratches mostly when she's frustrated. Sleepy, in pain from teething, or generally agitated. It can be pretty maddening when I have her in the sling and she starts pinching me hard enough to leave bruises! But at least I know what it's about now, so I don't get mad.

Whatever the case with your kiddo, keep those baby talons clipped short. I keep the baby nail clippers out and do them every week or so when I get the chance.

Good luck!

[OurGift]

I can definitely recommend these necklaces in the 'dangling donut' style. I have 3 and my son loves playing with them while he nurses: http://www.mommynecklaces.com/ The 'dangling donut' bead can be moved independently along the necklaces for a bit, there are bigger beads that stop it from going to far. They make a clicking sound when he plays with it. They're quite attractive also IMO. I would love to have the 'Simply Snazzy' one soon (I think he'd like the bright colors) and a couple other 'dangling donut' types. I just wish the owner would run another sale!

I have one of the necklaces that a PP linked. I have a grey one with the matching bracelet. The donut is stationary on a string (no clicking) and both the donut and the bracelet had a strong (chemically?) odor on mine with an odd taste (a bitter oily taste?).

Nursing necklaces definitely keep their hands busy!

Sorry to ramble NAK...