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Toddler Sexual Behavior

Yesterday my 18 month old daughter was lying on the changing table after her bath--I was about to put a new diaper on her.  Sometimes she will touch her private area when I'm doing this--put her hands on it or pat it--both of which I feel is "normal" or ok.  I've taught her that it's called her "private" and she refers to it as such. However, yesterday she took her stuffed dog and put it on her private saying, "Yum yum yum" as if the dog was eating.  This morning, on the changing table, she said "private" and touched it, then said "kiss" as if she wanted me to kiss it.  Needless to say, I am totally freaking out.  I have a sitter come to my home to watch her 2 mornings a week (5 hours each morning) and my mom watches her all day 1 day a week.  I am home w/ her the rest of the time---my husband is very rarely alone w/ her--he's always at work.  I am really worried that she is being touched inappropriately but I'm having a very hard time because, although articulate for her age, she is only 18 months.  I need advice.
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242606 tn?1243782648
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It is understandable that the behavior caught your attention. It does not invite alarm, but keep your eyes open for any changes in your daughter's demeanor (e.g., becoming fearful). I can't assert, of course, that nothing untoward is happening, and you are clearly arranging for good supervision and caretaking when you are not available. Obviously because of her young age and limited communication skills at this point, you are left to wonder. I would not go so far as to say that the behavior is normal in the sense that one would expect it of an eighteen month old girl, but it does not invite alarm either.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I need to know if this is something I should be worried about or if it's "normal."
Helpful - 0
242606 tn?1243782648
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
What do you want advice about? You have described the situation, but I cannot tell what questions(s) you would like answered.
Helpful - 0

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