8 Month Old Scratching and Pinching

Poor baby...I would try 2 things...transfer his pinching/scratching technique to an object like an stuffed animal or blanket. While he is awake show him how to do it so maybe he will be familiar with it at nighttime/naptime. Second, at 8 months if you want to rock to bond, read books, cuddle, feed thats great but I would suggest you let him start putting himself to sleep. Find a bedtime routine that works for you and then let him and his "pinching" friend fall asleep together in his crib with out you. Good luck and like everything else don't expect change quickly. He will have to change habits and relearn his comfort method...and you can heal ;)

OK my son does this sometimes too ...and dang can those tiny little fingers pinch hard.
I usually just move his hand and say " nice hands please" and then sort of pat or rub his hand. I don't think he means to hurt it just feels different and he's sort of trying to keep himself awake.
Good luck

I would say "OWWW!" every time he does it, look hurt, and move his hand away. He doesn't know that he's hurting you unless you show him in an exaggerated way. Since he's been doing it for awhile, it M. take a few days to break the habit. I agree with the suggestion to cover his hands, too, until he stops. You don't want him pinching others.

He is not doing this to hurt you, but since it does, put socks on his hands.. do not allow him to continue to do this to you.

It is a habit at this point, but he can sooth in s different way.. Maybe try to place something soft over yuourself that he can scratch and pull on.

It is normal for them to go through a stage of pulling hair , pinching skin etc and it is up to you to tell him no and make him understand that it hurts. If I were you though I really wouldn't want to get into the habit of rocking him to sleep and being dependant on twirlng your hair to be able to get to sleep. What happens when he wakes in the night and cannot soothe himself back to sleep , and you have to end up going in so he can twirl your hair. I would start now putting him down awake and getting himself to sleep.....just my opinion though