Taking care of business: how do I look after my daughter’s vagina?

Your baby’s genitals need to be properly looked after in order to maintain good health. But what does this mean for a baby girl? Sometimes this oh-so delicate area can be a bit of mystery, but fortunately like any part of the body, once you know what to do and what to look out for, it poses no problems at all.

Keeping it clean

At bath time or during a nappy change, gently wash your baby’s vulva, the outer genital area, with warm water and perhaps a cotton ball. There’s no need to use soap, but you can add a gentle baby cleanser to the water if you like, as long as you make sure you wash it all off. Holding your daughters legs apart, carefully wipe her labia, which is found in the middle of the vulva. Always wipe from the front to the back and use a new cotton ball if you need to repeat. Avoid any baby wipes that are scented or contain alcohol as these can cause irritate your little one’s delicate skin. Afterwards gently pat the genital area dry with a soft towel.

What is vulvovaginitis?

The skin around your baby girl’s vulva can be thin and therefore easily irritated. This can lead to valvovaginitis, the inflammation of the vagina and vulva, and is usually not at all serious. Signs to indicate your daughter might be suffering from this condition include itchiness, discharge, a burning sensation when doing a wee and sore red skin. It’s very common and can generally be dealt with at home. Try a nice soothing bath with half a cup of white vinegar added to the water. Or apply nappy rash creams to calm the skin and protect it from any discharge.

Can my baby get a UTI?

It can be common for young children in nappies to develop a urinary tract infection (UT), usually caused from poo getting into the urethra while wearing a nappy. Signs to indicate your daughter might have a UTI include pain when doing a wee, generally feeling unwell, vomiting, fever, smelly urine, lower abdominal pain or wanting to wee more frequently. If you suspect your baby is suffering from a UTI, then go to your doctor who will test her urine and treat with antibiotics if positive.

Dealing with nappy rash

Nappy rash is very common in babies and can cause sore red skin. Change baby’s nappy more frequently and use a barrier cream after every nappy change. A warm soothing bath can help but avoid scented wipes, soaps or anything that could increase the irritation on your baby’s skin. And last but not least, let baby go nappy-free for a while, allowing the fresh air to work its healing magic.

Should I see a doctor?

Many issues with your baby’s genitals can be sorted out at home. However, if you’re in any doubt, go and have a chat with your doctor, particularly if the following occurs:

• Your baby experiences pain when doing a wee
• If your baby is becoming increasingly irritated by her valvovaginitis
• If your child has a fever or abdominal pain

Handy care tips for the vulva and vagina

• Do not over-wash the genital area
• Avoid using soap to wash your baby, instead try a pH neutral wash
• Avoid any perfumed bubble baths or getting any shampoo around the vulva
• Avoid using talcum power on the genital area as particles can be inhaled by baby
• If you notice that your baby has a thick milky discharge, this is perfectly normal and does not need to be cleaned away
• Use a barrier cream or non-scented moisturiser to relieve any red itchy sore skin
• Occasional itching around the vagina is common, however if vulvovaginitis occurs, try a vinegar bath and apply barrier cream to help relive red skin and soreness