Typically done in the first few weeks following birth, circumcision is a surgical operation involving the removal of the foreskin, the fold of skin covering the tip of the penis. It’s often done in the first few days after birth, especially for families with religious, cultural, or personal reasons.
After your baby’s circumcision, it’s normal to see some redness, swelling, or a small amount of yellowish discharge as the area heals. Caring for your baby after circumcision may feel a bit intimidating at first, but with a little extra care and comfort during this time, you can help your baby heal smoothly.
Home Care for Circumcision
- Do not submerge your baby in water for 7 days. If your baby has a bowel movement and stool gets onto the penis, you can gently rinse it off under warm, running after.
- There may be a small amount of blood in the diaper for 1-2 days after the procedure. This is okay. You may also notice bruising or swelling. It usually takes 7 to 10 days for the penis to heal.
- It’s important to apply an ointment (Petroleum Jelly, antibiotic ointments, etc.) on the tip of the penis or on the opposite side of the diaper to prevent the penis from sticking to the diaper until the skin has healed.
- Your baby will most likely cry with every diaper change. This is normal and does not necessarily mean they are in pain.
When should I call the pediatrician’s office?
- Persistent bleeding – any blood spot larger than a 50-cent piece in the diaper, if there is blood dripping from the penis, or any bleeding after 48 hours.
- No urine in the diaper for longer than 12 hours after the procedure.
- Fever over 100.4 rectally.
- If the skin on the shaft of the penis is stocking to the tip and is not easy to separate, then ask your pediatrician at the next well-child check.
Every baby is different, so trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatric provider with any questions or concerns you may have.
