Your daughter might cry when you wipe her because wiping can be uncomfortable, especially if her skin is sensitive or irritated.
Here's a breakdown of potential reasons:
- Skin Sensitivity: Babies and young children often have very sensitive skin. Wiping, even with the softest materials, can irritate their delicate skin.
- Soreness/Irritation: Diaper rash, eczema, or other skin conditions can make the area incredibly sore. Wiping can exacerbate this discomfort. For example, during weaning, a baby's skin around the mouth can become sore and wiping can irritate it further.
- Harsh Wipes: Some wipes contain alcohol, fragrances, or other chemicals that can sting or irritate the skin.
- Wiping Technique: Wiping too hard or aggressively can cause discomfort.
- Cold Wipes: The sudden coldness of a wipe can be startling and unpleasant.
- Medical Conditions: Less commonly, certain medical conditions can cause skin sensitivity or pain in the diaper area.
Here are some things you can try to minimize discomfort:
- Use gentle, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free wipes. Look for wipes specifically designed for sensitive skin.
- Pat, don't rub. Instead of vigorously wiping, gently pat the area clean.
- Warm the wipes. You can warm the wipes slightly before using them. Some wipe warmers are available.
- Use a soft cloth and warm water. Sometimes, plain water and a soft cloth are the gentlest option.
- Apply a barrier cream. After cleaning, apply a barrier cream like zinc oxide to protect the skin.
- Consult a doctor. If the crying persists or if you notice any signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus), consult your pediatrician.
