2.5yr old DS is hitting, how do I correct?

[BigDog]

DS2 who's 2.5yrs old has quite a temper. When he doesn't get his way he'll either throw whatever is in his hand, or hit. He's hit me and he's constantly slapping DS1 (who's 5.5) too. Saying "we don't hit", "hitting is not nice", etc has proven ineffective, and he's not grasping time outs just yet. What else can I try? Any help is appreciated as I'm due with DS3 in a month and I would like to get DS2 on the right track before baby arrives! Thx!

[crl]

I put dd in her crib for a minute or two.

Catherine

[hillview]

crib is a good idea. I also think if you can sort out why DS is hitting/slapping that might help -- is it to get a toy? Is to get attention? In one case I might redirect on the other case I might walk away/ignore (is your older DS giving him attention when being hit?).