Cleaning a newborn baby after they have peed is an important part of caring for your little one. Newborns have very delicate skin, so it’s important to clean them properly to avoid rashes or infection. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your newborn after they have peed.
Gather the Necessary Supplies
Before cleaning your newborn, make sure you have all the necessary supplies ready. Here are the basic items you will need:
- Baby wipes or soft washcloths
- Warm water
- Diapers
- Clean diaper cream (if needed)
- Change of clothes
- Clean diapering area/changing pad
It’s best to use either baby wipes or soft washcloths dampened with warm water to clean the area. Avoid using regular towels or paper towels as these can be too rough on a newborn’s skin. You’ll also want to have some clean diapers, diaper cream if your baby already has a rash, and a change of clothes ready so you can fully clean and redress your baby.
Choose a Safe Diapering Area
Pick a safe, clean spot to change your baby’s diaper and clothes. A diaper changing station or changing pad on the floor works well. Make sure to lay out a blanket or towel first to keep the area clean. You want the environment to be warm and draft-free when changing your newborn.
Remove the Soiled Diaper
Gently remove the soiled diaper from your newborn. Dispose of the dirty diaper properly. For boys, remember to always cover their genitals with a clean diaper or cloth when removing a dirty diaper to avoid being peed on!
Clean the Diaper Area
With your baby lying on their back, use your damp washcloth or baby wipe to gently wipe their bottom, genital area, and any folds or creases where urine may have collected. Make sure to wipe front to back, especially on girls, to avoid spreading bacteria from the anus to the urethra. Clean the skin thoroughly but gently, patting rather than rubbing.
For boys, make sure to clean the scrotum, testicles, and penis. Gently wipe away any urine trapped in the foreskin if your baby is uncircumcised. For girls, clean the outer genital area and labia gently but thoroughly. Be very gentle around the clitoris.
Dry Thoroughly
Use a clean, dry washcloth or towel to dry your baby’s skin well after cleaning the area. Be very gentle patting the area dry. Make sure there is no moisture left in any creases or folds of skin.
Apply Diaper Cream (If Needed)
If your baby already has a diaper rash or irritated skin, apply a thick layer of diaper cream over the affected area to soothe and protect the skin. Zinc oxide, petroleum jelly, or barrier creams work best. Spread the cream on gently without rubbing.
Put on a Fresh Diaper
Slide a fresh, clean diaper under your baby and fasten the tabs snugly but not too tight. Make sure the diaper fits well and will contain leaks. For newborns, you may need to fold down the top front edge of the diaper temporarily to get a good fit around the umbilical cord stump while it heals.
Dress Your Baby in Clean Clothes
If your baby’s clothes got soiled during the diaper change, replace them with a fresh, clean outfit. Choose comfortable clothes that won’t rub or irritate your baby’s skin.
Wash Your Hands
Wash your own hands well with soap and water after changing your newborn’s diaper. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria and infection.
Disinfect the Changing Area
Disinfect the diaper changing area thoroughly. Use a disinfectant wipe or spray to clean the pad and any surrounding surfaces baby’s skin may have touched. This will help prevent the spread of germs to your baby the next time you use the changing area.
Tips for Diapering a Newborn Boy
Here are some additional tips when cleaning a newborn baby boy after a diaper change:
- Point the penis downwards during diaper changes – This prevents him from peeing upwards and getting the area dirty again.
- Clean under any penile skin folds – Carefully clean smegma or lint that can collect under the foreskin if uncircumcised.
- Let air circulate – Allow time during diaper-free periods for moisture to evaporate before re-diapering.
- Apply petroleum jelly – Use petroleum jelly during diaper changes to protect the penis from irritation.
- Change diapers often – Change wet and soiled diapers frequently to avoid skin irritation.
Tips for Diapering a Newborn Girl
Here are some extra tips when cleaning a newborn baby girl after peeing:
- Wipe front to back – Wipe from vagina towards anus to avoid spreading bacteria.
- Clean labia folds – Gently clean urine and discharge that can collect in labial folds.
- Blot dry – Gently pat dry instead of rubbing when drying the genital area.
- Apply ointment – Use protective ointments or creams during changes to prevent redness.
- Change often – Frequently change wet and dirty diapers to avoid skin irritation.
When to Call the Doctor
Consult your pediatrician if your newborn has signs of:
- Persistent redness or rash after cleaning urine
- Soreness, blisters, or cracks on the skin
- Swelling or discharge in the genital area
- Bleeding from penis, vagina, or rectum
- White patches on the skin
These could indicate an infection or health condition requiring medical treatment.
Conclusion
Cleaning up your newborn carefully after peeing is key to keeping their skin healthy. Make sure to use only gentle, mild cleansers and thoroughly dry and protect the area. Check for any signs of skin irritation or infection and call your pediatrician if concerned. With the proper hygiene methods, you can keep your baby’s delicate skin clean, dry, and comfortable.
| Supply | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Baby wipes or soft washcloths | Gently clean pee from skin |
| Warm water | Wet washcloth or wipes |
| Diapers | Dry, protect skin and contain leaks |
| Diaper cream | Soothe rashes or irritation |
| Change of clothes | Replace soiled outfit |
| Clean diapering area/pad | Safe, hygienic place for changing |
| Tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Wipe front to back on girls | Avoid spreading bacteria |
| Point penis downwards | Prevent peeing upwards |
| Let air circulate | Allow moisture to evaporate |
| Use protective ointments | Prevent skin irritation |
| Change diapers frequently | Avoid skin irritation |