For the past 2 weeks my 22 month old daughter has been "rubbing" her diaper against her vagina. She also has bunched up her blanket and used a stuffed toy against her vagina. I am very concerned. I really feel confused and unsure of how to handle this. I took her to the doctor to see if she may have had a urinary tract infection or something related and nothing was wrong. I have been told that perhaps she is "finding" herself and to not worry about it, but she does not touch herself in the tub or having her diaper changed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hi E.
I have 3 girls and I have been a Nanny for 16 yrs. I can assure you that this does happen not to worry. The diapers could be irratating her so it maybe time that she is ready to get potty trained. I have always started training at 18 months. I know every child is different and they may not respond that early but I would give it a try. GOOD LUCK
I appreciate your concern. My son did such at this age and it went on far too long for me. And he struggled with masturbation for years as a teen and young adult - and of his own doing, it made him feel awful. Lot of emotional trauma for a long time. So I would advise you to keep doing your research, gathering more experienced opinions like the nanny's to make sure you are doing what is best.
This was my first born, I had never come across such and didn't know to take action of any sort (still don't know what is best); the next two children did not deal with such.
My daughter did the same thing, at about the same age. She will grow out of it, although it took almost the entire summer. And it absolutely drove me crazy, the touching/rubbing and pulling. Keep panties/pants on her. Its kind of like the nose picking thing. As hard as it is to ignore, do your best. It was hard not to use words like "dirty" but you don't want to give her the wrong ideas. I told her it would make her bottom (an interchangable word for us) hurt, that she needed to stop touching. It didn't really make any difference, but she did eventually stop, really after I stopped commenting on it.
Good luck!
No need to worry at all, this is completely normal, she is doing it because it feels good. Your dr is right, she is just finding herself
This sounds to me like she is starting to notice how irritating a wet diaper is, she may be ready to explore potty training. This may just be a great opporitunity when you notice her pulling or what have you at her diaper take her to the restroom and explain to her that that is her trigger that is telling her it time to go potty.
The only thing I would add to the posted advice is what my pediatrician told me: tell your child that this is private behavior. She can do it in her room or in the bathroom, but not in public.
