Your baby needs to be changed up to 7 or 8 times a day. Their delicate little bottoms can easily become irritated by moisture, contact with urine and feces, and friction from diapers. They therefore require very special care with each change.
Discover our tips for properly cleaning your baby's bottom!
When?
• 2 schools of thought: before or after the meal (it's up to you to judge based on your child's habits).
• Some babies don't like to have dirty bottoms, and others generally soil their diaper right after eating...
• In case of a bowel movement, an immediate change is necessary.
How many times?
Generally, 6 to 8 changes per day are necessary in the first few weeks.
1. Preparation
• Wash your hands to avoid transmitting germs to your baby.
• Prepare everything you need (products, cotton, towel, diaper, change of clothes if necessary) so you never have to leave your baby, not even for a second!
• Place a towel on the changing table to prevent small accidents during cleaning.
2. Preliminary cleaning
• Open the diaper, wipe away the bulk of the soiling with the clean side of the diaper. Roll it up and close it with the tabs, before placing it in an airtight bag.
3. Cleaning
• Clean with water and a specific baby cleansing gel (soap-free) or with a cotton pad soaked in a no-rinse cleansing fluid.
• You can also use wipes, but preferably when traveling, and only when the skin is not irritated.
4. Cleaning precautions
• Always wash from cleanest to dirtiest, to avoid bringing impurities back.
• For a little girl: from the vulva (outer folds of the labia then the middle) towards the bottom. For a little boy: the penis, scrotum, and all around, then the bottom.
5. Drying
• Dry thoroughly by dabbing (without rubbing) with a clean towel or paper tissues, not forgetting the skin folds to prevent any maceration.
• When possible, leave baby's bottom exposed to the air for a few moments.
6. Prevention (diaper rash)
• Apply a diaper cream, ideally with each change, or at least before bedtime, to prevent the appearance of redness.
• In case of established rash, ask your midwife or pediatrician for advice.
7. Redressing
• Your baby can now be redressed!
• Hold their 2 ankles and slide a new open diaper under their bottom, adjusting it around the abdomen without tightening it, then stick the tabs. For little boys, make sure to point their penis downwards to avoid any leaks.
• Wash your hands thoroughly.
