Tips to Make Sure Your Baby Boy Heals Well After Circumcision

If you've chosen circumcision for your baby boy, you’re probably wondering what you can do to help make sure he heals well afterward. Our board-certified urologists at Bellingham Urology Group offer in-office circumcision for baby boys up to 2 months old. After your baby’s procedure, our team provides you with all of the specific after-care you need. 

In the meantime, here are some general tips to promote healing after circumcision. 

1. Follow all post-circumcision instructions

Our Bellingham Urology Group team provides specific instructions for caring for your baby after the circumcision. Follow these guidelines as closely as possible, including the use of prescribed ointments or dressings. If you’re unsure how or when to apply ointments, don’t hesitate to ask!

To help your baby’s penis heal well, you can:

• Apply a thin layer of petroleum ointment over the excision area.
• Cover his penis with a piece of sterile gauze, which can be found in the first aid section of a drug store.
• Put on a fresh diaper.

Tip: Keep each of your diaper changing stations stocked with petroleum jelly and sterile gauze pads. If you’re prepping your baby’s nursery before he’s born, don’t forget to add these to your diaper supply shopping list.

2. Practice good hygiene during diaper changes

Maintain good hygiene by gently (but thoroughly) cleaning the circumcision site during diaper changes. Use warm water to clean your baby’s penis at each diaper change. You can use a flannel baby wipe with warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals, alcohol-based products, or baby wipes with fragrance, which can be irritating.  Pat the area dry rather than rubbing to prevent irritation. 

After you’ve cleaned up your baby, apply a layer of petroleum jelly and a fresh piece of gauze before putting on a fresh diaper.

Tip: if your baby is uncomfortable during diaper changes, try offering a pacifier to him. Sometimes the sucking motion is soothing (or at least distracting) and may help alleviate some discomfort.

3. Make sure diapers aren’t too tight

Avoid diapers with tight elastic bands that may rub against the circumcision site. Cloth diapers are a comfortable alternative during the healing period.

4. Dress your baby in loose clothing

Choose loose and breathable clothing for your baby during the healing period. Avoid tight-fitting outfits that may cause discomfort or unnecessary friction against the circumcision site.

5. Monitor for signs of infection

After your baby’s circumcision, it’s normal for his penis to swell a little bit. It may also appear red or even leak yellowish fluid. These are normal and should clear up within 7-10 days. 

That being said, it’s important to know what signs indicate an infection. Any symptoms 一 redness, oozing, or swelling 一 that increase instead of decrease each day can be a warning sign of a problem. Other signs of infections include increasing pain, a foul odor, fever, and pus. 

If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.

Schedule your baby’s circumcision

While many parents decide to schedule a circumcision at the hospital shortly after birth, it’s not your only option. Dr. Curran Emeruwa and Dr. John Pettit offer pediatric urology here in our Bellingham and Mount Vernon, Washington, offices, so you can get the care you need for your son.

If you’re thinking that you might want to circumcise your son but don’t want to do it at the hospital, call the location of your choice to set up a consultation. You can also click here to schedule an appointment.