Baby Girl Genital Care

Hey, mama! So, your little princess is a few days old and if you’re a first-time mom, it may take a few days to adjust to your new lifestyle. We know you are trying your best and want to be perfect when it comes to looking after your little one. When taking care of a baby girl, an important question that most moms ask is, “How to wash a baby girl’s genitals?”

A baby’s genital area is sensitive and extra care needs to be taken to keep it clean. In the first few hours after birth, the vaginal area may appear a bit swollen. This is quite normal, and you just need to proceed to take good care while cleaning her genital area.

How to Care for Baby Girl Genital Area

For newborn baby girl genital care, you can just wash her vaginal area with water and wipe it with a soft damp cloth for the first couple of weeks.

When your baby is a few weeks old, you can introduce a mild pH-neutral liquid baby cleanser in the water to clean her genital area. If you are using wipes, it’s always better to choose the alcohol-free and fragrance-free, sensitive wipes that are made especially for babies.

Using products that have perfume or alcohol can upset the chemical balance in her vaginal area and skin. It is important to not use douches or vaginal deodorants on your baby as this can lead to infection.

How to Wash a Baby Girl’s Genitals

The best time to wipe your baby’s genital area is during each diaper change. Before changing her diaper, make sure that your hands are clean. Always wipe the area from front to back using a damp cotton cloth or a wet cotton ball soaked in warm water. Gently wipe away from the urethra and vagina.

Wiping from front to back is very important as it will prevent the transfer of bacteria from the bottom to the urethra and vagina. If excessive bacteria are present, it could cause an infection.

Diaper creams and sweat can collect in the genital area, but you need to be cautious when her diaper is very dirty. Sometimes, poo can get onto her vaginal area (labia) and you will need to clean the area well.

Using your fingers gently separate her vaginal lips and then using a soft cotton cloth or wet cotton ball, wipe down, from front to back towards the bottom. Then wipe each side inside her labia with a clean wipe.

During bath time, use a soft towel to wipe and splash water in the genital area. If your baby has dirtied her diaper just before her bath, first clean the area well before putting her in the tub.

Is Vaginal Discharge Normal in Babies?

You may have noticed a white, clear, or bloody discharge coming from your baby’s vagina, especially during a diaper change. Don’t be alarmed as newborn vaginal discharge is absolutely normal.

If she is only a few days old, it means that your hormones are still present in her body, from the time she was in your womb. Some hormones from the mom are necessary for the baby while she is still inside. When the baby is born and these hormones are no longer needed, it comes out as discharge. Do not try to wash or scrub away the discharge as this could lead to an infection. The discharge is not harmful and will usually clear up by the second week.

Proper caring for a baby girl’s genital area is very important as it will greatly reduce the chance of bacterial infections and diaper rash. It will also make your baby more comfortable. If you are very concerned about the vaginal discharge or have any other concerns, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with your pediatrician or general physician.