Toddlers like to self-explore during bath times and nappy changing times.
Some like to finger, some like to yank. Experts all agree this is normal. Children are curious about everything, including their bodies.
Ignatius belongs to the finger category. We were initally amused as he "discovered" himself in the bath, but we tried very very hard to be nonchalent. Here's a short excerpt from Babycentre.
Why it happens
Toddlers masturbate for the same reason that older children do: It feels good! Bodily exploration is part of growing up...
She may be just as curious about her genitals as she is about her fingers, toes, and belly button...
What to do
Don't panic... and no, it won't turn your child into a sex maniac.
Masturbation in toddlers isn't sexual (as it is for adults) because toddlers don't know what sex is.. toddlers masturbate because it feels good, and the good feelings can be as pleasurable for her as they are for adults.
What else to do
Ignore it. A toddler by nature is looking to push buttons — so if you start drawing attention to it, you'll probably just get them to do more. Your best bet is to look the other way or immerse yourself in a distracting activity so you won't have to watch.
Distract her. Children do it because it's there, because they're bored, and because their hands are free. If your toddler's hands stray toward her crotch at inopportune moments (in front of your in-laws, for example) keep a squeaky toy or other substitute handy to hand her instead. Invite her to do a puzzle, or play with blocks, or toss a ball around — anything that keeps her hands out of her pants.
Look to yourself. Parents' reactions to masturbation pose the greatest danger for kids. If your toddler is made to feel guilty for exploring her body, or made to feel that what she's doing is dirty or naughty, she may associate sexual or pleasurable feelings with guilt and shame.
This week, Ignatius suddenly realised that he had other interesting bits on him! It was most amusing to watch. We are advised to ignore it right?...so we let him indulge himself thoroughly so we could whip out the camera and snap some shots. Ha ha!
Featuring ... The Belly Button!
Ignatius discovered his belly button, and proceeded to dig into it with great delight.
And of course... we must never forget... The Nipple!
This was much more challenging to explore. The initial few tries to pin the Nipple down were quite unsuccessful. Ignatius just could not hunch over enough to poke at it. And it was slightly to the side, so Ignatius actually turned round and round in circles trying to get at it. It was HILARIOUS.
Finally, he used Mommy as a support and finally hit the spot. You must admire his persistence.
I wonder when the Birds and the Bees explanation will follow!
