Parent's Guide: How to Keep Your Baby Boy's Genitals Clean

Taking care of our little one's genital area is just as crucial as any other part of their hygiene routine. Allowing some air time for drying and refraining from using harsh substances can make a significant difference in the baby's health.

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Prachi Jain
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Parent's Guide: How to Keep Your Baby Boy's Genitals Clean

10 Essential Steps for Cleaning Baby Boy's Genitals (Penis Care)

"I'll never forget that day when my 8-month-old son cried inconsolably, and I couldn't figure out the reason behind his distress. Everything seemed fine – clean diaper, fed well, no signs of discomfort. But after a visit to the doctor, it turned out he had a urinary tract infection.

I was stunned. How could an 8-month-old baby have an infection? It turned out, in my efforts to care for him, I'd missed a crucial aspect – properly cleaning his genitals and penis.

That's when I dove into researching the right way to care for a baby boy's genital area. I realized that a simple rinse with water wasn't enough. I needed to adopt a more thorough routine to keep him clean and healthy.

Taking care of our little one's genital area is just as crucial as any other part of their hygiene routine.

10 Essential Steps for Cleaning Baby Boy's Genitals (Penis Care):

  1. Gather Supplies:  Refrain from using harsh soaps, lotions, or powders in the genital area, as they can irritate. Wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning the baby's genitals.

  2. Remove Diaper: Gently remove the diaper and use a wipe or the front of the diaper to clean any excess faeces away from the genital area.

  3. Cleaning the Penis: For uncircumcised boys, simply wash the outside of the penis with warm water. Do not retract the foreskin; it's usually not necessary to clean under it at this age. For circumcised boys, wash the penis gently, ensuring to clean around the circumcision area.

  4. Gentle Retraction: Even for uncircumcised boys, only if the foreskin can be retracted easily, gently pull it back without forcing it. Never force the foreskin to retract if it doesn't do so easily. Forcing it can cause tears, pain, and potential scarring. You can do it every alternate day

  5. Simple Rinsing: When the foreskin is retracted, clean the area beneath it with warm water. Avoid using harsh soaps or cleansers, as they might irritate the sensitive skin.

  6. Return to Original Position: After cleaning, carefully return the foreskin to its original position, covering the head of the penis. You can apply coconut oil(2-3 drops) on the tip.

  7. Dry Thoroughly: Pat the area dry with a soft towel or let it air dry before putting on a fresh diaper.

  8. Diaper Choices: Opt for diapers that fit well and are made of breathable materials. Changing diapers frequently helps prevent irritation and keeps the area dry.

  9. Air Time: Allow your baby some diaper-free time during the day to let their skin breathe and reduce the chance of diaper rash.

  10. Regular Checks: Keep an eye out for any redness, rashes, or unusual discharge. Consult a healthcare professional if you notice any signs of irritation or infection.

LOVE AND SUPPORT ALWAYS...!!

 

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