Cleaning your baby’s genitals
The genitals of many newborn babies appear to be enlarged. Both boys and girls may have rudimentary ‘breasts’ which may even leak milk, and some baby girls may even experience what appears to be a light ‘period’ shortly after they’re born.
These changes are simply due to the large amounts of hormones circulating in your system shortly before birth, which are passed on to your baby. These symptoms will soon disappear.
When cleaning the genital area of newborn babies, avoid using baby wipes or soap for the first few weeks, and instead use cotton wool and warm water For further advice, watch our video bathing your newborn.
• Boys Be sure to keep the genital area clean, but if your baby isn’t circumcised don’t try and retract his foreskin, as this can cause more harm than good. Often, the foreskin will not retract until your child is a toddler, and forcing it too early can cause irritation and infection. If your baby has been circumcised, you need do nothing more than cleaning as normal but watch out for persistent bleeding or swelling, as this could indicate an infection. Consult your pediatrician if you’re in any doubt.
• Girls For girls, wiping from front to back when cleaning her during a diaper change will stop bacteria being transferred from the anus to the vagina. Watch the gurgle videos, changing a disposable diaper and cloth diapers.
The information on this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 21/05/2007
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