my baby boy is just about to turn 9 months old.
the thing is, during a bath, he noticed his privates, and proceded by pinching and pulling until i took him out of the bath in fear of him harming himself. his area was bright red and it looked very sore!
he has started doing this every bath time, and he hardly understands what no means, so i cant correct him not to do it. hes also definatly too young for me to explain to him things.
should i just let him figure it out for himself and let him hurt himself? or should i prevent him from doing so until i can explain things further?
any imput would be greatly appreciated!
2007-07-22 13:51:41 · 29 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
thanks for imput from the experienced parents, im just so worried hes going to seriously hurt himself! i dont really want to stop him and tell him no cause i know its natural, but it really looks so uncomfortable lol....
2007-07-22 14:02:55 · update #1
You can try to distract him with a toy while you bathe him, but it is natural for babies to discover their own body. Just keep an eye on him, I doubt that he will yank it off. He'll eventually figure things out on his own. Don't make a big deal about it, and he will probably stop messing with it after the fascination wears off. (sometimes with males that is not until they get old, like 80 something!)
2007-07-22 13:58:53 · answer #1 · answered by mixemup 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's ABSOLUTELY normal. My son started doing that around the same age. There really isn't anything that you can do about it. He isn't so rough about it anymore, I think that he figured out that he was hurting himself. Your son will do the same. My son is 11 months now and everytime he has the chance he does it. All babies do it, not even just boys, my neice does it too. I have to admit, it is a little creepy but he is just checking himself out, he just found a new body part.
2007-07-22 13:59:00 · answer #2 · answered by getalifeFATTY 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All baby boys are totally fascinated when they suddenly find their "privates." and it does usually occur in the bath. They think they have a new toy!!:o)
You should not be alarmed - just try to distract him with other playful activities until his bath is finished and he is dressed again.
I raised three boys and don't think he will really hurt himself - after all he would be crying by then.
He will figure it out for himself.
2007-07-22 14:01:46 · answer #3 · answered by jbug 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let him explore. It is natural, to him it is no different than finding his ears or fingers or toes. If he is hurting himself, he will soon realize that and will discontinue doing it.
He probably does this at every bathtime, because it is like a new toy and the only time he can play with it is at bathtime because he is usually either covered by a diaper, or quickly changed (and when he is dirty/wet you would not let him explore).
2007-07-22 14:06:25 · answer #4 · answered by StayAtHomeMomOnTheGo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Baby's discover every part of their bodies bit by bit its really cute when he discovers his hand he will just hold it up and stare at it ,he will do something like this for every part of his body even his voice he'll laugh and gurgle just to hear himself its very normal for him to play with it if it gets red put nappy cream on in case he is getting a rash wait until his about two he won't leave it alone its all part of exploring and learning its not rude its just learning.
2007-07-22 14:00:48 · answer #5 · answered by beebee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is natural and he wont hurt him self. They can feel pain and if it hurts he will quit. My infant started doing the same thing not just during bathing but when I change him too. He is not to young to start learn the word no but this is not really something to worry about. he is just learning the same as when he realized he had hands and feet/toes and everyone thought it was so cute.
2007-07-22 13:58:32 · answer #6 · answered by jewleit 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
most boys do this they aren't sure of what it is and if it hurt them then they will cry however their testicles are only partially developed so they feel what they are doing but it don't hurt due to the fact their "balls"haven't dropped and wont do so until 10-14 years of age or when they start puberty when they do this just keep moving their hands away until they realize that they are not allowed to "play"with them it will take a while but eventually they will stop
2007-07-22 14:30:16 · answer #7 · answered by lilbluemaninmyhead 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ah, the joys of having a little boy... Trust me, once they notice it's there, it's the center of attention for the rest of their lives. As long as they aren't playing with it at innappropriate times, such as when other people are around, I wouldn't worry about it. Little boys will never get over being facinated by their penis.
2007-07-22 14:03:56 · answer #8 · answered by ChaoticKimmy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first off it's a "hidden" part.. always in a diaper and clothes... he's just learning about his body is all. He doesn't have the capacity to do any damage to his parts... just let him examine, poke or pinch... as he gets older tell him it's a bathroom thing and he needs to leave it alone when he isn't in the bathroom... He's completely normal mom.
2007-07-22 14:02:50 · answer #9 · answered by Kishauna_P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son does the same thing. He is 15 months and noticing what that is. its very normal. Keep him from hurting himself though
2007-07-22 13:57:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋