Baby & Toddler Health: Genital Exploration
My son has started pulling at his penis during diaper changes. Should I be concerned?
It's quite normal for a child to explore his or her own body. And boys are not the only ones who do it. I had a female patient who used to "ride" the highchairs at restaurants. Needless to say, the family didn't eat out much!
Preferably, body exploration happens in the privacy of your own home and not out in public. A nonjudgmental way to approach this is to tell your child that you know it feels good to touch his body, but it is something he should do in his own room—it's not OK to do it in public or in your living room. But it is normal and healthy behavior for babies and toddlers.
Preferably, body exploration happens in the privacy of your own home and not out in public. A nonjudgmental way to approach this is to tell your child that you know it feels good to touch his body, but it is something he should do in his own room—it's not OK to do it in public or in your living room. But it is normal and healthy behavior for babies and toddlers.
Answered by
Dr. Ari Brown
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