How to Clean Your Baby’s Genitals?

Your baby’s genital area is very soft, and her skin is very delicate. You have to make sure that while cleaning such areas, you do not hurt the baby in any way. Cleaning the genital area is more important than bathing the child because the baby’s poo and pee can dry on the skin and cause irritation. So, how to clean a baby’s genital areas? Let us tell you how.

As first-time parents, you might be anxious to get your baby’s genital cleaning right. Your anxiety is justified, for if not given proper care, infections and related health problems may develop around the genitalia. In addition, you need to be gentle and tender while handling your baby, ensuring she is not uncomfortable or getting hurt in the process of cleaning. Here are some tips you would do well to remember, which will hold you in good stead when you take care of your baby.

Nappy Care

Change the baby’s nappy as soon as it gets dirty. You need to clean the area with a wet soft cloth or wet cotton ball; you may add a mild baby cleanser to make sure it gets cleaned properly. The Cleveland Clinic suggests avoiding baby wipes that have any fragrance or alcohol so that they do not irritate the baby’s delicate skin (1). Leave the baby nappy-free for some time, as this will help her skin breathe better and dry on its own, too. Do not tie the nappy or the diaper too tight because doing so will cause irritation to the baby. In addition, the baby will be unable to communicate the discomfort. Use cloth nappies as much as you can, or use a combination of both. Make sure the baby’s skin is perfectly dry before you put on another diaper. Genital care for boys is different from for girls, just as their genital parts are. Here is a guide to help you with your baby.

Genital Care for Boys

There are two procedures on how to clean a newborn baby boy’s genital area. Let’s discuss them in detail (2).

1. For Circumcised Penis

Cleaning a circumcised penis is very simple. You just need to wash the penis well. Do not use any harsh soap as it may irritate the skin; you may use a mild cleanser. Gently wash the genitalia with your hands and pat dry. You may use baby powder to avoid sweating. You may use some cream or petroleum jelly on the clean nappy to avoid the penis sticking to his nappy. Use a nappy that allows airflow with ease.

2. For Non-circumcised Penis

You just need to clean the outside of the foreskin till the baby grows a little with non-irritating soap and water (3). There is no necessity to clean inside the foreskin in young children (4). The foreskin doesn’t loosen till the baby is around 2-3 years old, so there is no need to retract it. You may find a white substance (called smegma) that gathers under the foreskin, but there is nothing to worry about because it is made of natural secretions and dead skin. Gently wash the area with your hands and pat dry. Use baby powder to avoid sweating.

Genital Care for Girls

To learn how to clean a newborn baby girl’s genital area, read the following;

You need to wash her labia whenever she has a bath. Use a soft cotton ball to clean the area (5). Do not use any soap inside the vaginal skin, as it may cause irritation and burning (6). Hold her legs a little apart and clean from the inside to the outside. This makes sure nothing goes inside her vagina or urinal tract.

You may see a clear, white or even bloody discharge, but that is normal for the first few weeks because your hormones are still running in her body. This typically resolves within 10 days (7). You may consult a doctor later if the discharge doesn’t stop. Avoid using talcum powder as well because it may irritate the vaginal skin, and it is also likely that the baby may inhale the talcum powder. Gently wash with your hands and pat dry. Use nappies that allow easy airflow.

FAQs

1. Can I use a vaginal wash to clean my baby’s genitals?

Doctors advise against using vaginal washes, deodorants, or douches, as they can upset the baby’s skin as well as the natural chemical balance around the genitals and increase the chances of infection.

2. How do I clean poop from my baby girl’s genitals?

During nappy changes, you can use a clean section of the nappy to wipe away most of the poo. Then, use cotton wool and warm water to clean your baby’s bottom thoroughly. After a few weeks, baby wipes can also be used for this purpose. Always remember to wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from reaching your baby’s vagina and urethra. This practice helps reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) (8).

3. Is it normal for a baby’s genitals to swell up or look swollen?

It is normal for a newborn baby’s genitals to appear swollen in the first few weeks of birth (9). The swelling usually subsides within a few weeks. However, if it stays after the first six weeks, consult your doctor.

Caring for the baby’s genitalia should be a part of your daily routine because you hardly realize that it can be the reason for various infections. With all these practices, you can make sure that your baby is clean and happy.

References/Resources:

1. Diaper Rash (Diaper Dermatitis); Cleveland Clinic; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11037-diaper-rash-diaper-dermatitis

2. How to Care for Your Baby’s Penis; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/bathing-skin-care/Pages/Caring-For-Your-Sons-Penis.aspx

3. Infant and toddler health; Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/uncircumcised-penis/faq-20058327

4. Penis and foreskin care; The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne; https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Penis_and_foreskin_care/

5. Genital care; Plunket; https://www.plunket.org.nz/caring-for-your-child/hygiene-and-daily-care/baby-genitals/penis-care/

6. Vulval skin care for children; The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne; https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/vulval_skin_care_for_girls/

7. Wróblewska-Seniuk K, Jarząbek-Bielecka G, Kędzia W. Gynecological Problems in Newborns and Infants. J Clin Med.; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7961508/; March 2021

8. Urinary tract infection (UTI) in children; NHS Inform; https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/kidneys-bladder-and-prostate/urinary-tract-infection-uti-in-children/

9. Swollen Genitals (Vagina, Labia, Penis, Scrotum) (Infants); Eastern Health; https://hi.easternhealth.ca/life-stages/infants/appearance/swollen-genitals/

Also Read:

How to Brush Babys Teeth?
How to Clean Baby’s Tongue?
How to Wash a Baby’s Face Properly?
All about Cleaning Baby’s Eyes, Ears and Nose
How To Wash Baby Clothes – Precautions & Tips

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