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How to Care for Newborn Boy Circumcision 

How to I care for my baby boy's circumcision?

Once your baby arrives, you have your hands full with feedings, sleep schedules, doctor’s appointments and more. The responsibilities can feel a little daunting in the beginning, especially for new parents who are learning as they go. If you have a baby boy, you may have some concerns about caring for his circumcision. But not to worry! It’s one of the easier tasks, and it’s very similar to umbilical care.

Circumcision after birth is a simple and common procedure. It only takes a few minutes and requires a local anesthetic or cream – your baby will be back in your arms in no time. Typically, the procedure takes place 2-10 days after birth by a doctor in the hospital or pediatrician’s office, or by a mohel as part of a Jewish religious ceremony 8 days after birth.

Benefits of Circumcision

The decision to circumcise is mostly up to the parents. Some medical circumstances require otherwise. For example, circumcision may be necessary when the foreskin cannot retract ( phimosis ); or circumcision may not be an option with certain blood-clotting or penile disorders. In addition, the procedure may be postponed for premature babies who need NICU care.

Some parents decide to circumcise for family, cultural, or religious reasons, but there are a few health an hygiene benefits as well, including:

·      Easier cleaning

·      Reduced risk of urinary tract infections and yeast infections

·      Reduced risk of some STIs for adult men

·      Prevention of  phimosis

·      Fewer penile complications, like inflammation and irritation ( balanoposthitis ) 

·      Decreased cancer risk (penile cancer is lower in circumcised males; likewise, cervical cancer is less common in females with circumcised partners)

*The  American Academy of Pediatrics  has not recommended universal circumcision, but they do suggest that the benefits outweigh the risks in most cases. Ultimately, the choice to circumcise is up to the parents. Boys can learn proper care and cleaning of the foreskin to eliminate most of the complications above.

 Source:  Mayo Clinic

How Long Does a Circumcision Take to Heal

Newborns heal incredibly fast. It typically takes just 7-10 days for a newborn circumcision to heal completely. If it does not seem to be getting any better after that time, consult your pediatrician (although you’ll already be seeing your pediatrician for a checkup within that time frame anyway).

How to Care for Newborn Circumcision

Like umbilical care, keep the area clean and dry. You’ll be doing sponge baths for the first week or two, and it’s important not to submerge the umbilical stump or circumcised penis in water.

1.      Clean the area with each diaper change as needed. Obviously, the penis will get just a bit wet from urination, and that’s ok. Use a cotton ball and hypoallergenic scent-free soap to gently clean away any stool from a soiled diaper or crust that occurs naturally during the healing process. Let the area dry completely before diapering. Change his diaper frequently and keep it somewhat loose. Try not to put pressure on the area while holding him. 

2.      Follow your pediatrician’s instructions depending on the method of circumcision – some want you to reapply a dressing or bandage, others do not. Most likely, you will only need to keep the area dry and clean. The ring (plastibell) used during the procedure will fall off on its own within 7-14 days. 

3.      Do NOT apply diaper cream to the circumcision. Your doctor may have you apply some petroleum jelly to keep it from sticking to the diaper and/or antibiotic cream to prevent infection, but do not apply any other lotions or creams.

4.     Most babies recover quickly and easily from this procedure, and your son may not feel any pain afterward. However, if you suspect that he may be fussy due to discomfort, you can gently apply ice to the  outside  of his diaper (do not apply ice directly to his skin) .

When to Call the Doctor

 

Complications are rare with circumcisions (less than 1%); however, contact your doctor if you notice any of the following:

 

  • No urination within 12 hours of the procedure.
  • Fever
  • Increased swelling or redness – It should heal quickly, so call if it seems to be getting worse.
  • Signs of infection like puss or drainage – A little bit of yellow crust or small flecks of dried blood are normal. 
  • Bleeding – Any bleeding beyond a couple small drops should stop soon after the procedure. If you notice a spot the size of a quarter or larger, consult your doctor.
  • The plastic ring has not fallen off after 14 days.


 Source: AAP’s  Healthy Children.org

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