The best thing to use is tap water and a soft cloth. You can add a dab of neutral, soft soapy solution while cleaning but just plain water will do. Do remember to completely dry the baby after cleaning as a damp bottom in a diaper is an invitation to diaper rash. This however, is not very convenient especially when traveling with a baby.
Enter ‘baby wipes’! In general, baby wipes are safe and have been designed for babies. However, there are certain precautions to take as usual:
- Preferably do not use wipes till the baby is at least one month old, since the newborn baby’s skin is extremely tender and may react to any chemicals used.
- Make sure they are alcohol-free and preferably there should not be colored / perfumed additives as they may cause a reaction.
- If after using baby wipes, you find that the baby’s bottom looks red – your baby might be reacting to something in that wipe – try another brand or else make do with soft cloth and water. Don’t worry about those wasted wipes – nothing goes waste as you will find out.
Related reading: Should talcum powder be used in babies?