Does your 1 yr old daughter do this?

Question

Hi

My one yr old girl touches her privates when she has a bath/or anytime she's naked. I have been stopping her because i don't want her to scratch herself. However, should i actually let her do this, ie explore. Her nails aren't really log anyway.

Is it normal for a child so young to touch themselves in their privates.

Sorry if this is too personal for some but I won't be seeing the health visitor in a while and i would normally ask her about baby stuff.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

Answer 1

MY SON DOES THIS ALL THE TIME. IN THE TUB AND WHEN YOU CHANGE HIS DIAPER.I THINK IT IS SOMETHING THEY DO.MY WIFE AND I DON NOT DRAW ATTENTION TO IT SO HE DOESN'T GET THE IDEA IT IS OK.WE TALKED TO OUR FRIENDS AS WELL AND THEY ALL SAID THE SAME THING.WHO KNOWS REALLY?

Answer 2

Yeah, its normal.  My 21 month does and I just hurry to get her butt changed.  Kids got to explore themselves.  Thats just how they roll.

Answer 3

first of all, good for you for being concerned about your baby!  Second of all, yes it's normal.

Now to answer what to do about it - what i did is gently move the hand away and occupy it with something else - never EVER punish for this behavior.  As she gets older and can understand things better, explain to her that you don't touch those places in front of people - it's a private thing to do.  the reason i say this? you don't want your kid touching herself in public because then someone will think someone else is touching her.

Good luck

Answer 4

of course it's normal my son automatically does it every time he goes in the tub. he's 10 months.

Answer 5

I think it is healthy to explore ones body and that by stopping her you are telling her that it is 'shameful' or just not 'ok'.  Keep her nails trimmed and her hands clean.  As she gets older you will need to teach her about appropriate times and places (in the bathroom or bedroom when she has privacy) but for this age, just keep a diaper on when you are out and ignore it when you are home.  Also naming it as a body part is helpful "thats your v***a" just as you would "thats your arm" or "leg" or whatever- without judgment-

Answer 6

Yeah it normal for children that age to touch their private parts. My both boys did at that age. They exploring their own area.

Answer 7

I work at a daycare and when we change diapers the boys always try to grab theirselves and we move their hands... I have never noticed the girls doing it though!

Answer 8

My 18 months daughter does this everytime I change her diaper.  I normally brushes her hand away from her private.  I know it's normal for babies to explore, but I discourage them from doing it.   Don't want them to continue and thinking it normal to do it anywhere and anytime behavior.

Especially, in public or when guests around.