Learn how to care for your newborn, from head to toe.
Newborn diaper changes are no easy task, but for some newborn there’s an added layer of complication: a healing circumcision. Circumcision has been around for decades, but that doesn’t mean every person who has a baby boy is well-versed in how to care for a healing penis. Although a circumcision is typically a quick procedure, it does leave a wound that can take longer than a week to heal. In that time, it’s up to parents to keep the area clean, keep their baby comfortable, and to promote healing.
What is a circumcision?
Circumcision is an elective surgical procedure during which a doctor removes the foreskin that covers the tip of the penis. For some families, it is a religious ritual that occurs within a few days after birth. Other parents choose to circumcise their babies in the hospital immediately following birth.
Why circumcise a baby?
Not all parents circumcise their sons, but parents who choose to circumcise often do so because circumcision has been associated with a lower risk of urinary tract infections, some types of cancers, and sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV. Many also believe a circumcised penis is easier to keep clean. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that the potential benefits of circumcision outweigh the risks of the procedure, though they caution that the benefits aren’t great enough to recommend routine circumcision for all infants. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision that is up to each family.
How to care for a healing circumcision:
It can take anywhere from seven to 10 days for a circumcision to fully heal, according to the Mayo Clinic. After a baby is circumcised, there are a few important steps parents should take to promote healing and keep the area clean.
1. Avoid putting any pressure on the penis.
The baby’s penis will be sore. The Mayo Clinic cautions that it may even look swollen, bruised, or red. When holding the baby, changing diapers, or changing clothes, be careful to avoid bumping or rubbing against the penis, as this can cause serious discomfort. Fasten diapers loosely to avoid pressing on the area.
Apply petroleum jelly to the tip of the penis.
According to the Mayo Clinic, parents should gently clean the tip of the penis with water while it’s healing. While you’re changing the baby’s diaper, apply petroleum jelly to the tip of the baby’s penis to keep it from sticking to the inside of their diaper as it heals.
2. Change the bandage with each diaper change.
Apply a fresh bandage at each diaper change. It is important to note that you do not wrap the tip of the penis in a bandage, but place a gauze layer over the penis to protect it from chaffing against the diaper. In some circumcisions, a plastic ring is placed around the tip of the penis instead of a bandage. In that case, still keep it clean but do not remove the ring. It will come off on its own when the penis is healed.
How to spot signs of trouble:
A circumcision will typically start out red or bruised-looking and then develop a yellow scab. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should contact your baby’s doctor if you notice:
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Persistent or heavy bleeding
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Foul-smelling drainage or discharge from the tip of the penis
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The baby has not started urinating again within 12 hours of the surgery
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If the plastic ring placed on the penis does not come off within two weeks
