Your baby: Circumcision care

You will need to provide special care until the penis is healed. For about seven to 10 days, you need to:

• Completely cover the tip of the penis with petroleum jelly after each diaper change. Or, use an antibiotic ointment if your baby's health care provider ordered it.
• Look at the tip of the penis each time you change your baby's diaper. A yellowish-white film will appear on the tip of the penis until the healing is complete. This is normal. If there are any signs listed in the box to the right, call your baby's health care provider.
• Do not use baby wipes until the tip of the penis has healed.

Some health care providers use a circumcision device called a plastibell. This is a plastic ring that is placed under the foreskin and secured. It will fall off in five to eight days. This kind of circumcision needs the same kind of care except do not put petroleum jelly or ointment on the tip of the penis.

Related Links

Circumcision: Yes or no?

Bathing your baby

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 05/01/2008

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts