Changing a girl’s diaper is not as difficult as changing a boy’s diaper. Yet, changing a girl’s diaper has its own set of challenges, and not being aware of them could put your baby at risk for urinary tract infections.

Important to remember...

A girl's urinary system is internal and not as well protected as a boy's. For this reason, girls are more prone to infection than boys. Girls also require more frequent cleaning and more careful wiping to keep the risk of infection at bay. 

While baby powder is considered good to keep the moisture levels down, it can be a hazard if too much is used.

When a girl’s diaper becomes soiled, it is best to clean it as soon as possible, which means right away. This is to prevent infection, irritation, and a larger mess from a leaky diaper (or from the poop traveling down the bottom and up the back of the baby). When changing the diaper, it is best to hold onto the baby girl’s legs by the feet and ankle so that she can easily be lifted and moved for the diaper change.

Check out the How-to Guide for Newborns

How to wipe properly

Wiping is especially important and must be done with greater care than with a boy. Wipe the baby girl’s bottom away from the genitals.  E. coli grows much easier in a baby girl’s urinary tract than a boy's because her urinary track is warmer, darker, and moister. Make sure to remove all fecal matter and urinary residue every single time.

What about baby powder?

While baby powder is considered good to keep the moisture levels down, it can be a hazard if too much is used and can cause an infection. Be sure to apply the diaper firmly but gently so that the diaper does not fall off, but not too tight that it can cut off circulation to the baby's growing body. It is very important to check that the diaper is fitted properly before letting the baby go play, and be sure to frequently check the diaper for any messes that may be made in the diaper after the change.