9 month old... masturbating???!

[takefu]

DD seems to be, well, masturbating! She does it in her highchair the most (there's a big fat bar between her legs, can't remove it), but sometimes in the pushchair and carseat... squirms and twists her legs around, gets a glazed look in her eyes, and sometimes even grunts! I know this is normal, but I'm wondering if there's any way to dissuade her? She won't eat in the high chair once she gets going, but trying to feed her on my lap is proving to be very, very messy (and she's just as squirmy!). Any ideas? Anyone else have this problem? Will it pass with time?

[Louiseg30]

I'm glad I found this thread as my dd has just been diagnosed and discharged from the peidatritian today after two years of wondering what it was.! Think people know nothing unless they have seen in their own children as not all children do this until older ages my daughter done this from six months and after going through thinking she may have epilepsy ir a tic I'm glad it is something not too worrying. So to all of you who think this post is wrong you have never experienced your dd and ds s doing this at that age my peidatritian has told me it's common . Obviously I won't be broadcasting this to my f s and fam and that's why you don't hear of it

[Patriciathestripper1]

My daughter did this too from about the same age. She used to do it in her car seat especially when we're on long journeys. And sometimes in her pushchair. Shes 9 now and still does it now and again but only in her bedroom since I explained it's not the sort of thing you do infront of other people.

[lashesandflashes]

Both my DDs have done this from an early age. It's def pleasure seeking activity! So glad my youngest getting a high backed booster

[Kasianosal79]

Infant self gratification is very common and natural it's often mistaken for epilepsy or dystonia by people who don't believe little ones don't know if it feels good. Of course they do! What they don't know is that it's not good to do it in public.
The key to recognise the difference: can your kid stop when distracted? Give her 🍪 or new toy
Most babies do it when tired or bored. ( certainly this is when mine does it - now 13 months)
Don't worry it's normal and natural. I don't think she will ever grow out of it . We didn't 😜 but she will learn obviously we need to teach her that she can only do it in private
For those who still doesn't believe me, read the article below written by doctors
adc.bmj.com/content/archdischild/89/3/225.full.pdf