What is circumcision?

A layer of skin called the foreskin covers the tip of a baby’s penis. In a circumcision, the foreskin is cut away from the penis leaving the tip uncovered.

Vaseline and a gauze pad are put on the penis after a circumcision. This covering protects it from pee and from rubbing against the diaper.

Care and cleaning

During the first 24 hours, check your baby’s penis for bleeding every 3 to 4 hours. Change the Vaseline and gauze pad every time you check for bleeding.

• After the first 24 hours, change the Vaseline and gauze pad every time you change your baby’s diaper. Vaseline and gauze pads should be used for 1 to 3 more days.
• The amount of Vaseline you use should be about the size of a dollar coin (“a loonie”).
• If the gauze pad sticks to the penis, do not pull it off. Squeeze warm water over the gauze pad from a wet washcloth. This will soak the gauze pad off the penis.
• Wash the area after your baby pees or poops. Squeeze warm water from a washcloth over the area. Gently pat dry.

How will I know if it is healing?

In 2 to 3 days, the tip of your baby’s penis will be covered with a sticky yellow substance. This substance is normal. Do not remove it.

• The tip of your baby’s penis will be a deep red color while it is healing.
• The tip of your baby’s penis should be fully healed in one week. It will have a pinkish color when it is healed.

Common concerns

Your baby may not want to eat after the circumcision. You can continue to offer a breast or bottle. He will begin to eat when he is ready.

• Your baby may not pee for a number of hours after the circumcision. This is normal.

Call your doctor if:

Blood around the penis is bright red and is soaking through the gauze pad onto the diaper.

Your baby has not peed for 24 hours after the circumcision.

Caring for Your Uncircumcised Newborn

Normal Development:

When your baby is born, his foreskin is stuck to his glans.As he grows, the foreskin and glans separate gradually.

Little boys have erections. This is normal and natural. You may notice a white substance (smegma) around the penis tip. This is also normal. It lubricates and protects the glans.

Care and Cleaning:

An uncircumcised penis does not need special care.

• Bathe your boy with soap and water. Clean after each diaper change.
• You do not need to pull back the foreskin.

By the time your son is 5 or 6 years old, the foreskin will have separated from the glans. At bath-time, show your son how to pull back his foreskin and wash his penis. This is a normal part of keeping his whole body clean.