Sexual Health – Birth to 2 Years

Sexuality for a baby is not like adult sexuality. It begins with the experience of being loved, cared for, and comforted. Receiving affection through cuddling, smoothing touch, and responsive caregiving helps babies feel safe and valued. These early experiences shape how babies and toddlers learn about trust, connection, and their bodies.

Your relationship with your baby plays a powerful role and lays the foundation for their sexual health development.

When you respond to your baby or toddlers needs with warmth and consistency, you are teaching them that their body matters and they deserve respect. This foundation helps them build a positive sense of self and understand that relationships should feel safe and nurturing.

Here are some resources that may help you in teaching sexuality to your baby or toddler and support healthy sexual development:

• Privacy and consent (Videos, AMAZE Parents)
  • Help kids learn why it’s important to keep their private parts private 
• Talking to children about sexuality (Videos, AMAZE Parents)
  • When should you start talking to your kids about sexuality?
  • How do you talk to young kids about sex?
• Gender identity & expression (Videos)
  • Help kids learn about gender (AMAZE Parents)
  • What should I know about gender? (AMAZE Parents)
  • The You Inside Project (Gender Creative Kids)
• Amaze Jr. Coloring book
• Books
  • Check out these children’s books available at your local NL Public Libraries location.

Services related to this information:

• Contact your Public Health Nurse.
• 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555
• Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries