Cleaning your baby's bottom

Your baby’s diaper needs to be changed up to 7 or 8 times a day. An infant’s very delicate little bottom can easily become irritated from dampness, contact with urine and stools, or friction from diapers. As a result, special care is needed each time you change your baby’s diaper. Get our tips for effectively cleaning your baby's nappy area.

Produced in collaboration with Dr Laïk, Pediatrician (France). If you have any questions, please ask your midwife or healthcare professional

When?

• 2 options: before or after a feeding (depending on your baby’s habits).
• Some babies don’t like to feed if they have a full diaper, while others usually fill their diaper just after a feed...
• If the diaper is soiled, you should change it immediately.

How often?

Generally you will need to change your baby’s diaper 6-8 times a day during the first few weeks.

1. Preparation

• Wash your hands to avoid transmitting germs to your baby.
• Get everything ready (products, towel, diaper, cream if necessary) so that you don’t have to leave your baby for a second!
• Put a towel on the changing table in case of any little accidents that might happen while you are changing your baby.

2. Initial cleaning

• Open the diaper, wipe off the majority of the waste using the non-soiled side of the diaper. Roll it up and seal it with the tabs, then place in a sealed bag.

3. Cleaning

• Clean your baby’s bottom with water and a special baby cleansing gel (soap-free) or with a cotton pad soaked in no-rinse cleansing fluid.
• You can also use wipes, once your baby’s skin is more mature

4. Cleaning précautions

• Always wipe from the cleanest area towards the dirtiest area, so that you do not spread impurities.
• For little girls: from the vulva (outer lips then middle) towards the buttocks.
• For little boys: the penis, scrotum and all around, then the buttocks.

5. Dyring

• Dry completely, patting (not rubbing) with a clean towel or paper tissues, not forgetting to dry the skin folds to avoid any chafing.
• When possible, leave your baby’s buttocks open to the air for a few minutes...

6. Prevention (diaper rednes)

• Apply a diaper cream, ideally every time you change your baby’s diaper, or at least before bed, to prevent redness.
• If your baby has severe diaper redness, ask advice from your midwife or pediatrician.

7. A clean diaper

• You can now put a clean diaper on your baby!
• Holding your baby’s ankles, slide a clean, open diaper underneath the buttocks, adjusting it around the abdomen without tightening it, then fasten the tabs. For little boys, make sure you point the penis downwards, to avoid any leaks.
• Wash your hands carefully.