All men have one (a penis) and we are quite clear what they are the care it requires, which are not too many beyond keeping it clean. However, if they ask us about what we should do with that of our children, or what are the cares that we should carry out, we are not so clear about it.
Mothers have the same doubts and, honestly, I have the impression that many are not explained what they should do with their babies' penis, because it is very common that in the consultation, sooner or later, say something like "same I had to have done something, but I have not done it and I have never touched it ", in reference to the bathroom or to lower the skin of the foreskin and even" do not ask me that, what the father does. " Just in case any mother asks you, and just in case any father has doubts, let's talk today about baby penis care.
The foreskin of babies is attached to the glans
Come on, we start directly, without regard. The first difference between the penis of an adult man and that of a baby is that babies have the foreskin (the distal skin) adhered to the glans, glued. It is not a mistake of nature, it is not a training fault or anything like that. It is the protection of the glans that comes standard and that after 12 months, and during the first years, is disappearing (it is taking off).
At the end of the penis, although the skin is attached, there is the opening through which urine flows. Under normal conditions the urine goes out without problems. In case the hole is too small, it is possible that the pee accumulates a little under the skin and a "jet" comes out too thin or even dripping. This is a problem because it tends to bother them and because the chances of urinary infections occur soar. In case you see something like that, it is recommended to discuss it with the pediatrician.
How do we wash his penis?
Baby bathing can be done every day or it can be done every day, since it seems that babies' skin is better when we bathe them less. However, the diaper area is recommended to clean daily, at least once with soap and water.
Well, with the penis, the same, soap and water. No need to use gauze, or cotton, or antiseptics or anything special. You put soap and water and go.
Should we take back the skin of the foreskin?
During the first year, as I said, the skin is attached to the glans, so it is very difficult to pull back that skin. Some pediatricians, in their eagerness to solve that natural phimosis ahead of time, recommend that parents force the skin every day to go down, to eliminate adhesions and resolve phimosis. There are those who even venture to solve it themselves in the consultation and give the skin a jerk causing wounds and pain.
This maneuver is discouraged for two very obvious reasons: first, because it makes no sense. The foreskin and the glans are attached and that is not a problem, it is normal. Secondly, because the last thing to do if what is intended is for a skin to be elastic is to hurt it, because wounds cause scars and scars always have less elasticity That healthy and intact skin.
So what needs to be done, at most (because it is not necessary), is a threat to lower the skin. It would be something like throwing the skin back a little so that it can get a "splash of water" there, but not to the point where the skin says "up to here". It doesn't have to hurt, doesn't have to bother, it is done slowly and smoothly. If the baby makes a face of pain, we have passed, we must make less force.
This is simply done for hygiene. As it grows and the skin separates from the glans, the opening will be larger and the skin will give way more easily, being able to clean the area better. But that moment will come. It takes months or even years. Years? That's right, there are children who are resolved at 3-4 years, others are already 6 and others are 8 or more years old when they don't need phimosis without operation (in many cases it is fixed with the application of a cream of corticosteroids for a few days).
In addition, specialists recommend not operating until age 8, so be patient, there is no hurry.
And that's all my friends. It has no more secret: hygiene and not force. No more no less.
