Usually somewhere after the first year, though more commonly during potty training a toddler will discover a very important part of the body, their genitals and like every other bodily discovery that proceeded it your toddler will explore this body part in the same manner looking and touching. Some, well actually almost all toddlers then are met with a new concept, touching the body part feels different, possibly even good. As a result the body part is touched, tugged and fondled even more often which leads parents to see toddler’s masturbating.

Now while this is what parents may call it that, it is not what your toddler is actually doing. By definition, “masturbation” is to pleasure ones genitals with the intent of sexual pleasure. Toddlers have no concept of sexual pleasure and do not touch themselves for sexual pleasure more simply pleasure. To them the feeling is no different from the way warm water feels good when you are cold. This is an important distinction to make as masturbation is generally viewed as naughty and what a toddler is doing is just exploratory even if your child does fondle to orgasm and yes, that can occur.

You should also note like other phases this one will pass in time. A Toddler touching himself does no hold any health risk and does not indicate abuse. However, if the habit is present in older children before the teen years or is accompanied by sexual explanations further investigation is necessary.

Sadly, any attempts to punish or force a toddler to stop touching him or herself will result in more touching. During this stage your toddler is encouraged by any attention whether good or bad and you drawing attention to his/her new habit will only prompt the act to be repeated more often. Ignoring your toddler’s touching until this phase passes is your best bet. If you do unintentionally react, be careful not to put this behavior in to negative a light. Making your toddler feel like this exploration now is a naughty and wrong thing may affect his or her sexual health later in life. Neutrality is key.

However, you may attempt to distract your toddler in public if the habit begins. Activities that require the hands are usually the most effective. If your child is especially chronic about touching you may even want to carry items in your pockets such as small toys or treats that can be used as diversion.