17 month old hitting and tantrums

Rebecca

Help! My 17 month old has started hitting me and screaming when he doesn't get his way, and sometimes just because. I don't want to hit him back, time outs seem to not work, any other suggestions? Is this a phase or do I need to nip it in the bud so it doesn't become a habit? This is my first baby, so I feel so clueless.