Infants are typically circumcised sometime in the first 10 days following birth, and it’s important for parents and caregivers to properly take care of the circumcised area of the penis to prevent infection and irritation.
Things You'll Need
- Soft Washcloths
- Petroleum jelly
6 Steps To Care For A Circumcised Infant
1. Change The İnfant’s Diaper Promptly After He Urinates Or Has A Bowel Movement After The Circumcision Procedure And Until The Wound Heals
This will help prevent discomfort associated with the circumcised area.
2. Keep The Circumcised And Surrounding Area Clean
Wipe the penis with a soft washcloth and warm water when changing his diapers rather than with baby wipes, which can irritate the area. Wipe gently, making sure to get any stool particles off the penis, and wipe in the grooves around the head of the penis.Sometimes a small piece of foreskin will remain on the penis. If this is the case, pull it back gently to wipe this area during each diaper change.
3. Coat The Tip Of The Penis With Petroleum Jelly Before Putting On A Clean Diaper
This will help prevent irritation and friction from the penis rubbing against the diaper. Secure the diaper loosely around the infant.
4. Change The Bandage On The Circumcised Area With Each Diaper Change
This will likely only be necessary for the first couple of days after circumcision. Put a small dab of petroleum jelly onto the bandage to keep it from irritating the skin.Once any discharge has stopped and the area begins to heal, a bandage is no longer necessary. If your infant has a plastic ring around the penis instead of a bandage, do not bother the ring. It will fall off on its own within about a week.
5. Hold Your İnfant With Care So You Don’t Hurt The Circumcised Area
Avoid applying pressure to the groin area when you’re holding him.
6. Bathe Your İnfant With Just Water Until The Penis Has Healed
Wash the area with a soft washcloth and warm water every few days when you bathe him. Once the circumcised area has healed, it’s fine to bathe him with soap and water.
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