In the way they are touched, caressed, cuddled and cared for from birth, Through exploration and learning how their bodies feel to themselves, By learning what is OK and not OK to do, From the words family members say, and don't say, to refer to body parts, By observing how family members express affection and caring for one another. Babies are curious. They explore their world and their own bodies. All babies touch their genitals. It feels good and is comforting to them.
Babies develop trust and the capacity for pleasure as they are cared for, held and cuddled.
Babies need to like all parts of their body, including genitals. Help your baby recognize correct names for body parts. During dressing, diapering and bathing, practice saying names of body parts to your baby. If you use words such as penis, vulva and rectum as you would words such as eye, ear and nose, you will be more comfortable using these words in conversations when your child is older. Characteristics of sexual development Toddlers have more curiosity about their own bodies than do infants.