The Decision to Circumcise

Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the skin covering the end of the penis, called the foreskin. It is generally performed within the first few days of life.

How to Care for Your Baby’s Circumcision

Video: How to Care for Your Baby's Circumcision


Your baby’s circumcised penis needs very little care. Rinse the circumcision area at each diaper change by squeezing warm water over the tip of the penis. Place a gauze sponge with Vaseline® over the tip of the penis until the area is healed.

Plastibell Procedure

Sometimes a Plastibell (a plastic ring) is placed onto the head of the penis during a 10-minute surgical procedure. Do not pull the plastibell even if it's barely attached. The rim of skin in front of the string will turn black and come off with the bell by itself in 3 to 7 days. You will probably find it loose in your baby's diaper. Do not sit your baby in a tub of water until after the circumcision is healed.

If a plastibell is used, the Vaseline on a gauze sponge is usually not needed. The head of the penis may be irritated or appear whitish or yellowish in places as it heals. This is normal. Call the doctor if the penis is bleeding, swollen or draining.

Care of the Uncircumcised Baby

Do not pull back (retract) the foreskin (the skin covering the tip of the penis) of your baby. Forcing the foreskin back may harm the penis, causing pain, bleeding and possibly scar tissue. The natural separation of the foreskin from the tip of the penis may take several years.