Boy patted my baby in her pushchair today

This doesn’t seem weird to me at all

Not really sure what the problem is

It sounds like the adult probably asked " what did you do to that baby" so that is why he worded it. Sounds like the adult assumed maybe he wasn't gentle? A little weird that the adult didn't ask, but I am glad he was gentle!

Could have his own delays, or simply that curiosity that kids have - like he might understand patting animals but is that the same word as with humans? Do babies have different words associated? And so on. I wouldn’t be too concerned but appreciate it might have been an odd encounter x

Ok thanks everyone I just found it odd because he was sort of hovering over her and just staring for a long time but I can’t describe it I think it’s just how he came across. Hard to tell how old he was, now looking back maybe definitely 10 years old if not a bit older so it felt unusual whereas maybe if it was a younger child I would have been ok. He sort of didn’t want to leave us alone and I was in a small space and didn’t want her to wake up either

He seemed a bit spaced out so potentially special needs and now I feel bad but I’m just extremely cautious

I think he was trying to be kind to baby! Maybe he doesn’t have any other siblings or hasn’t been around babies before. He might have wanted to tell the adult what he did as he wasn’t sure. Eg “ I just patted that baby” then the adult would have said oh that’s nice etc

I think I would have felt a bit scared as well initially, but if I knew he had additional needs then I would be fine.

Also confused. He wasn't being mean. I get that no stranger should touch your baby/kids bit he probably doesn't know that yet? But out of this this isn't something I would be thinking about at all

I think youre kinda making it weird. Doesn’t sound like he hurt the baby. Maybe he is an only child or just awkward and doesn’t know how to ask. Maybe he just thought your baby is sweet by you describing him hovering. Perhaps you could have been kind as most kids don’t understand social cues and don’t know that they’re coming across as “strange”

Ok I think based on everyone’s comments I’ve obviously overreacted slightly. I always just never know what people can be capable of. Sometimes kids with additional needs can get out of control. I wasn’t mean in my response it’s more just how I was feeling inside and I just felt I needed space so I walked away to the till to pay for my items. I think you need to have been there to understand the weirdness

I wouldn’t find it strange. I think it’s strange you said stroked her if he patted her. He could have even special needs but kids like kids or babies especially if he had a little siblings so he was probably just trying to be nice. Yes if he was with his teach or something they probably should have told him don’t go up to other people. But sometimes kids just do things without parents knowing. I wouldn’t find any problem with it. I would have just talked to him.

Always trust your gut/instincts.