Boys
When you change your baby boy’s nappy, you’ll need to make sure to clean thoroughly around his penis and testicles, to make sure no irritating residues of wee or poo remain to cause a rash. However, don’t try to retract his foreskin to clean underneath – it’s still attached to the head of the penis and will hurt if you try to force it back.
Baby boys often tend to do a wee after their nappy is removed – it’s a reflex triggered by the cool air – so parents of boys may want to keep a stash of clean flannels or face wipes nearby to avoid the ‘fountain effect’! When you put the clean nappy on, make sure to tuck your baby’s penis in pointing down; otherwise he may wee out the top of the nappy and cause a leak. In the first few days after birth, your son’s testicles may appear red and swollen; this is a normal side effect of the birth hormones he was exposed to, and should subside in the first week. If it persists, ask your health visitor to have a look.
If your baby has been circumcised, it’s best to clean the area very, very gently for the first week or so, using only water to avoid irritating the wound. Your doctor may also recommend some cream or ointment to apply. Letting your baby have as much nappy-free time as you can will also aid in healing by keeping the wound dry. If you still notice a lot of swelling or redness after 7 to 10 days have passed, contact your GP for advice.