Oh yeah!  This is a phase they all go through.  All you can really do is take her away from the situation and say no.

This is normal and very common at this age. They do it out of frustration because they do not have the skills to express it any other way. At this time, the best thing to do is take your child out of the situation and sit down on the floor with her and tell her that we do not hit anyone because it isn't nice and add that hands are for loving and call them "loving hands".

Also, if you are able to just scoop up your child from the situation, she'll learn that hitting someone is sure way for fun to end.  You will have to do this a lot!

My 17 month old has been hitting for months, she only does it when she thinks noone is looking because she is well aware that it is wrong!  She'll grow out of it though, and i am just glad it's hitting and not biting!

 You are doing the right thing though :)

Deb

Oh yeah, this is a very common thing, and especially when they see other kids doing it.  They are learning at this age all about emotions, what a joy, lol.  It's a start of the terrible twos, but hang in there it will pass.  Just keep telling her that hitting is not nice, and when she does it, have her take a break from what ever it is that she was doing, as chances are she is getting upset and thus hitting.  So by giving her a break you are quelling the hitting and reenforcing a proper way to calm down.  Good Luck!