masturbation?

My daughter is 2 years and 4 months old.  Sometime before age 1 and 2 I put her in her car seat and she was mad and was straining against the straps that hold her in and she must have discovered that it feels good to do that because now every time we put her in her car seat she mostly sits there and strains against the strap and seems like she is masturbating. She seems very intent on it and doesn't want to get out until she is ready. Is it normal for a child this young to be doing that.  Does anyone know if a child this young can orgasm yet?  Should I try to stop her from doing this behavior or do you think it is okay?  Any help would be appreciated.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

By the age of two, children can experience genital pleasure and, even at three, some children masturbate. However, children cannot experience orgasm during these pre-school and early school-age years. It won't be helpful to focus on the behavior. Rather, be sure to provide props (books, toys) to entertain your daughter while in the car. And, when it's time to leave the car, just carry on - do not think you have to wait until she gives you the signal that it's time.

[mamawally]

A related discussion, kids and masturbation was started.