I feel like a doof having to ask this but...what special care is given to an older(11 months) baby boy's genital area? We were instructed after his circumcision to retract the skin a little to avoid adhesion, which we did. However, the doctor did note "a slight" amount of adhesion, but said it was fine. When bathing now, what is the general rule...is the skin still retracted and cleaned (sometimes there is a little "debris" from diapers, baby powder, etc.)? Or is it left to work it out on its own? Sorry for the overtness of the question...just hoping we're doing right by our little gentleman!
I have wanted to ask this question! For my 11 month old I still do the retraction/cleaning when I change his diaper/bath.
I have a son who was also circumcised. I really wouldn't worry too much about cleaning him 'down there' too much. I think letting him soak in the tub will clean him, and 'it' enough! :-)
Most of the best answers have been given.
I have one suggestion...delete the baby powder unless your son has excessive moisture you need to absorb. There is no essential need for the powder and it causes extra "smegma" accumulation.
I don't use powders or creams at all and my son has never had even a hint of diaper rash (11 months old).
Definitely retract the skin. If you don't and debris does get in there, over time it can become irritated or infected if left too long.
And at this age, if you do it, it will become second nature to him when he washes himself in years to come.
We continued to do this for our son until ~16 months (and we stopped simply because he bacame to hard to keep still). Now at 18 months, I still try to work the wash cloth over the area real quick because, as you said, the diaper tends to leave a left over cloth like debris in the fold ...and that at the very least can't be too comforable/hygenic.
keeping that area clean is important. When he gets older you can teach him to take care of it himself..hmmm.. better yet a good job for your hubby! Just gently pull back and rinse off the area with water and maybe some of that soap made especially for babies, without the harsh additives and perfumes the rest of us get. If you leave things to "work out" they may cause irritation or even a little infection depending on what gets in there.
My youngest has quite a bit of adhesion from his circumcision. We pulled it back and everything when he was born, but the doctor says probably enough wasn't cut off and therefore it joined. Either way, he is 18 months now, and no matter what, always pull the skin back and clean around the tip of the head. You are right that 'debris' does get in there and it has to be cleaned out. A guy I dated after my son was born explained it to me that even full grown men have to pull back the extra skin if there, and kids should too.
You mention above that you use baby powder on your baby......just thought I would let you know that my Doc and many other docs and nurses have told me NEVER to use baby powder on babies. I've read up on this too and it seems to be a good idea. The fine powder can cause asthma and other breathing problems. Just thought I would pass on this info for you.
It's a reasonable question. :) I have 3 boys, and all 3 had a little extra skin even after their circ. My 7 year old has grown into his extra skin for the most part, and no longer has to pay special attention to it. With the 2 younger ones I do have to pull back the skin, and wash them well. So don't leave anything to work it's own way out, and make sure you check for your hair that gets caught in the diaper. I occasionally find my hair wrapped around their little pee pees.
Hi L.,
Your not a doof...lol. Any question is a good one. You are doing right by your little man. Keep retract the shin. You want to make sure that EVERY part of him is clean
Nnancy
