Toddler playing with herself

[humph]

This is somewhat embarrassing... My 21 month old DD likes to play with herself and uses it as a form of soothing to settle herself to sleep.  More often than not she does it in her bed but sometimes out and about in her pushchair.  I purposefully don't tell her off as I don't want to make her think that it's bad or dirty but equally I'd love her to stop or at least reduce how often she does it.  The sound effects on the monitor don't make for very nice background noise!  I tend just to ignore it.

Is this common and is there anything I can do to stop her?

[We Three]

Really, really common, and your instinct is spot-on with regards to how to handle it.  To make a big deal out of it will send the wrong message, that her body is shameful, or that touching it is "bad".   It is appropriate to give her a gentle reminder that "That is something we do in private, sweetie."     If she is doing it in her bed to self-soothe, there isn't really much you can do, or should do. 

 I'd just find a key phrase that you feel comfortable with and when she does it in public, use that phrase...she may not understand the word "private", but maybe say "nighttime".  Just be sure you are gentle and breezy about it in your tone.

 HTH!