For babies who are not circumcised, proper foreskin care is important to prevent issues such as infections or tightness. In the early months, the foreskin is typically adhered to the head of the penis, which is completely normal and should not be forcibly pulled back.
Parents should avoid attempting to retract the foreskin before it naturally loosens over time, which usually occurs by age 3 to 5. Forcing the foreskin back can lead to pain, injury, or scarring.
To care for the foreskin, gently clean the area during diaper changes by washing it with warm water, but avoid using soap directly on the area as it can irritate the sensitive skin. Once the child gets older and the foreskin becomes more retractable, parents should encourage gentle cleaning of the area.
As the child grows, it is important to teach them to properly clean under the foreskin, ensuring they don’t develop a build-up of smegma, which is a combination of dead skin cells and oils.
