I've recently noticed that when I change my daughter's diaper or give her a bath, sometimes she gets really quiet and starts touching herself. I don't even think she notices she's doing it, but I'm not sure. She's 20 months old. I don't want to tell her no, cuz she's very young, so I just ignore it, or move her hand and laugh it off. Is this normal?
2007-02-02 02:55:07 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
It's perfectly normal. Both of my children did that and it's nothing to be concerned about. She has just discovered that there's another part of her body to explore. There has been some proof that some babies/toddlers actually masturbate. Don't be grossed out, it's a normal part of development. Ignoring it is OK, just say "OK honey, time to put the diapy on..." something like that. Too much attention may only make her do it more. Scolding isn't good either. So, relax... :) it's OK. You're doing well and your daughter sounds perfectly normal. Good luck to you!
2007-02-02 03:04:04 · answer #1 · answered by Andrea 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is normal. All children are fascinated by their bodies and will be curious. Children as young as 3-4 will masturbate. Nothing sexual in their little minds, just the pure pleasure. I doubt your daughter is going there as young as she is. She is probably relieved to be out of her diaper and happy to be "aired out"!! You are correct to avoid telling her "no". If you make children avoid touching themselves, you are showing them that they should be ashamed of their bodies. There is enough of that in this world. If it continues or progresses, you may have to explain to her (when she is older) that "touching" is okay, but it should be done in private. I had to cover this with my granddaughter.
2007-02-02 03:09:00 · answer #2 · answered by lezlealynn 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Discovering herself is completely natural. Ignore it and she will stop doing it. If you make a scene or tell her to stop it she will grow up thinking that her privates are disgusting or dirty. She will probably start to do it again when she's around 3-4 as they want to discover their bodies. It is completely normal.
2007-02-02 03:06:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's normal. Ask your parents, I'm sure you did it too......I know parenting can be a little stressful, but I've found alot of people add the stress themselves worrying about such "minor" things.
2007-02-02 02:59:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's normal, she's just interested in the sensation, You're doing the right thing, just distract her.
2007-02-02 03:03:49 · answer #5 · answered by mia 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
of course it's normal. duh. it feels good to touch yourself there so why wouldn't a baby do it? you just teach the child as time goes on that masturbation is to be done in private when you are by yourself, not in public. she's much too young to understand that now. eventually she will.
2007-02-02 03:02:55 · answer #6 · answered by Sufi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is very normal, she's just a baby. She doesn't even realize what she is doing.
2007-02-02 03:04:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, all babies explore their bodies.
2007-02-02 03:17:03 · answer #8 · answered by bad_bob_69 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋