Need advice re changing dd's nappies please!

[lurcherlover]

Apologies in advance if I seem a complete idiot here, but dc1 is a boy and I'm not used to changing a girl's nappy - I'm not sure I'm doing it right. Dd is 5 weeks old and when I asked the mw about nappy changing, she said don't open her labia, just wipe the outside with cotton wool. So that's what I've been doing. She's had a bit of redness recently so I've been using a dab of Weleda nappy cream on her. My mum said I should gently clean out the cream that goes in between her outer and inner labia as if I leave it she'll get sore. I had a quick look and there is cream in there (just inside her outer labia) but she didn't seem to like me messing with her so I left it. Should I be trying to gently clean her like my mum says, or leave it alone? I never had this angst with DS- boys are much easier where nappies are concerned...

[ilovepowerhoop]

I would leave the cream (its nappy cream so is ok to be there) but if she gets poo in the folds then I would gently clean that out.

[RedlipsAndSlippers]

I was told the same with my DD, and noticed the same problem with the bepanthen I was using. As with your DD, mine was not pleased when I tried to gently clean it, fair enough! So I was advised to sort of swoosh her bath water around there a little more IYSWIM? Seemed to do the trick without irritating her.
Hope this helps :)

[lurcherlover]

Thanks, I'll try that. I was thinking about trying a wet cotton bud but thought that might hurt her so I haven't. It's weird, this is not something I had ever thought about when pregnant! The little worries parenthood throws at us...