2-Yr Old Exploring Her Body

Updated on April 28, 2010
K.F. asks from Tulsa, OK
10 answers

So I've been told before that it's normal for little babies to explore so I'm not panicked, but I feel a little anxiety about catching my 2-yr old with her hands down her diaper 3 or 4 times tonight. I'm not worried if she's just exploring. I'm only worried if she's doing that because somebody else did. It's my biggest fear in life that she would every be abused. I don't suspect it at all and I have no idea if this could even be a sign, but I don't want to be naive or ever let my guard down. I tend to freak out and think the worst over most things. I've taken her for an emergency pediatric apointment over what turned out to be dry skin. I like to believe I always lean towards taking every precaution. So instead of freaking out, I'm asking, does anyone have a 2-year old exploring his/her body and how did you handle it?

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M.S.

answers from Appleton on

I've heard it's common. I have a girlfriend who's daughter was doing the same thing. After ruling out the wet diaper/rash/yeast problem, she started putting her daughter in one piece jammies (that snap up), instead of separate tops & bottoms. Her daughter stopped after a few nights.

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H.A.

answers from Dallas on

All of my kids touch. My boys did it as soon as they figured out it was there. That's the first place my 15 month olds hands go when the diaper comes off. It's totally normal.

What I tell my boys (they tend to more then my daughter) is, while I know that feels good -- it's private. If you want to continue you need to do so in the privacy of your own room. I've never actually had my child leave the room - usually they don't realize their hand has wandered there. So, I think I would say the same to your daughter. Basically telling her it's not wrong, not dirty but it is private.

If you're concerned you can also stress to her that no one else should be touching her there - unless it's Mommy/Daddy helping her wipe or clean up.. or a doctor with Mommy/Daddy present. Say it pleasantly - just informational. It will sink in as you repeat it.

Good luck Momma.

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K.D.

answers from Dallas on

My daughter did it too. It lasted such a short time though. I think its just a point of interest for them. It could also be irritation. Make sure to rule out a yeast infection or UTI, and don't give her bubble baths and see if that helps.

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N.W.

answers from Dallas on

It is possible she has yeast, that can cause that sort of behavior.

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D.S.

answers from Tulsa on

all 2 yr olds do it. its a phase. she also may be doing it cause her diaper is wet. she may not be fondleing just trying to get the wet diaper off of her. is she ready to potty train yet???

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N.D.

answers from Dothan on

Like most moms here its completely normal. If your child seems to detach from human affection abruptly and gets totally out of control then I would worry. Altho I personally dont think you can tell if a 2 yr old has been abused or not, its a rough age. Your kid is exploring and mine do it all the time. Kids have feeling down there and when they notice it its fun for them. Teach your daughter not touch it at least in others views and if you notice her Vagina is puffy or red or fluidy, she probaly has a yeast infection. You need to relax, dont be so fearful of people and situation with your child it will make you go crazy. Is she with any questionable people, if not then why worry.

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S.S.

answers from Lawton on

My daughter's three now and we just tell her to take her hands out of her pants during the day and allow exploration at bath time.

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J.F.

answers from Fayetteville on

I work as a nanny and am a mommy and this is normal for both girls and boys. I work for two families that are related and the one mother denies that her daughter does this and the other mother asked me about it when I told her it was normal and that he niece did it her sil denied it but I caught her 7 year old daughter doing it again this weekend. When she mentioned it to her mil she told her someone had to had been touching her so the mom went ahead and took her to the peds office and he handed he a flyer about it and assured her that I was correct and that it is just a stage.

I tell them if they are going to keep their hands down their pants they need to go to their bedroom and close the door and come back out when they are done and wash their hands before they join us.

D.W.

answers from Fort Smith on

My 3rd daughter does this. She'll turn 2 in July. I hadn't noticed my other 2 daughters (older) doing it as much as she does. I don't say anything to her since she is just 2 and also b/c my Mother made a big deal when my sis and I would do it. So I'm not sure how to handle it other than telling her not to do it in front of others. My kids don't have much privacy for themselves b/c they share one room. I just know I will be more open to them than my Mom was or acted. She always acted like we were doing something bad. I remember starting that at a young age.
I don't think your daughter is being abused either. I just think they know it feels good and they enjoy it.
Good Luck! =)

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S.B.

answers from Redding on

I don't think she's being abused just because of having her hand in her diaper.
I have a son and he never really "fiddled" with himself, but he liked tucking his hand down his pants. Under his jammies and over his underwear.
We always joked he was afraid his winkie might fall off in his sleep.
Try putting regular panties on her. Let her go without a diaper as much as possible.
Little girl parts can't breathe well in diapers and maybe it's making her itchy or something.
Maybe she just likes having her hand down her diaper.

I wouldn't freak out just yet about it.

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