Incorrect or insufficient diaper cleaning can lead to urinary tract infections, persistent rashes, insomnia, irritability, appetite issues, and many other concerns. Hence, mothers must pay close attention to hygiene and the cleaning method.
Genital Area:
For baby girls, diaper cleaning is different from cleaning other parts of the body. The genital area should always be cleaned from front to back. Each time, use a clean wipe and make one gentle motion.
After cleaning, gently pat the area dry with a soft towel or paper towel and apply a protective cream. Allowing the diaper area to remain open for a bit to air out is beneficial. Babies usually enjoy this process.
Before Placing a New Diaper:
If the initial cleaning didn’t fully remove the dirt, use a fresh tampon or wipe and repeat the cleaning process from front to back. Then, clean the baby’s bottom and the sides of the buttocks, remove the dirty diaper, and clean the baby’s bottom gently with a soft cloth. Before putting on a clean diaper, apply a rash cream. It’s beneficial to use a protective rash cream during every diaper change as it helps protect the baby from irritation caused by urine and stool.
Afterward, gently lift the baby’s legs and place them in a clean diaper.
If the Baby Has Had a Bowel Movement:
Follow the same method, cleaning the area with one motion and wiping from front to back each time. It’s a common mistake to use the same wipe for cleaning from front to back and then change the wipe to clean from back to front. This can cause stool particles from the anus to spread toward the baby’s urinary tract. Since the distance between the anus and the urinary opening is short in baby girls, they are more susceptible to urinary tract infections compared to baby boys.
In Conclusion: