Organizing your home—and even your car—safely for children is a constant effort. As your family grows, it’s important to reassess your space and make sure it’s as safe as possible. One of the biggest challenges of keeping a safe home is storage.

Path to improved safety

• Step one: Walk into each room, assess your current storage methods, and rethink any areas of concern—especially if you have added a child to your family or if your children are getting older and taller. For example, if you had a baby and were able to keep the kitchen knives in a drawer before the baby was mobile, you will have to find another, higher location. This is true even if you use drawer locks. Sometimes those tools can break, depending upon the type of material they are made from. Consider moving the kitchen knives to a tightly closed box in a top cabinet. This may mean moving something else that is currently in a top cabinet. But thinking creatively can help.
• Step two: Think about whether your current storage methods are effective. For example, child safety experts recommend storing common household products or cleaning supplies, such as laundry and dishwashing pods, in their original packaging and in a place that can’t be seen or touched by a child. Many of these things are both choking and poison risks. Also, always keep medicine in the original container and away from children.
• Step three: Look at kids’ bedrooms. You may have safely stored toys and baby care items in the bedroom of your newborn. But what happens when you have more than one child? What if they share a bedroom? Your older child may want to play with toys that are choking hazards for newborns. Work with your older child to come up with a plan to play with and store their toys away from their younger sibling. It’s important to monitor this regularly.
• Step four: If you have a home office, look at your space. With a rise in telecommuting, many parents have a dedicated space in which to work. This may be an open space or a room with a door. Either way, we sometimes forget to childproof those rooms. You may have supplies, such as paper clips, staplers, scissors, and letter openers loosely stored on top of your desk or in a drawer without child locks. Find a safe place for those items. This is especially true for parents who work from home and have the children at home with them. Sometimes we get distracted trying to balance childcare and work, which means we might leave things unattended.
• Step five: Don’t forget your car. We often use our cars as an extension of our homes. We may keep medicines, small toys, and food that poses a choking hazard in our cars. Plan to safely store your needs in a childproof container and away from your child’s reach. While you are driving, your child may reach for those items. Also, remember to pull your car into a safe space if you need to get something for your child. Never attempt to open containers while driving.

Things to consider

Popular social media trends often post decorative methods (glass jars, fabric bins, etc.) for storing items. It may look pretty, but it might not be safe. In fact, research from the American Cleaning Institute shows unsafe storage of liquid laundry packets was portrayed nearly 800,000 times over a four-year period on popular social media platforms. Alarmingly, in 92% of the storage-related posts, there was no mention of the child safety dangers that can come with keeping liquid laundry packets outside of their original containers.

Child safety experts encourage parents to follow the “Store Not Décor” approach. Putting laundry detergent pods in a see-through container or liquid laundry detergent in a glass bottle that can easily be opened by a child is dangerous. Not only do the colorful pods attract the child’s attention, but a decorative container also doesn’t have a childproof lid to protect curious kids.

Resources

American Cleaning Institute Clean First Steps Safe Storage Resource

Packets Up Website

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Bringing a new baby home is one of the most exciting times in a parent’s life. It can also be overwhelming with the abundance of responsibilities and routines that come with taking care of this new addition.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a baby needs its diaper changed as many as 8 to 12 times a day in the beginning. This equates to about every 2 to 3 hours. Most disposable diaper brands include a line on the outside fabric of the diaper that will change color when the diaper becomes wet—usually indicating the baby has peed. A baby’s skin can become easily irritated if it stays in a soiled diaper for too long. It can also cause a rash or infection in the diaper area.

Path to improved safety

There are steps you can take to make the diaper-changing process easier and more efficient. They will also help to keep your baby safe, clean, healthy and happy.

Set up a location

Establish a convenient, central place to regularly change your baby’s diapers. Many parents choose to use traditional changing tables. You could also keep these items in multiple rooms that you frequently occupy or in one container that can move with you throughout the home.

Store all the items you need to complete the diaper change in your desired location, as well as supplies you’ll use to keep the area safe and clean. Ensure these items are easily accessible to you, but kept in a spot that your baby cannot reach them as he or she grows.

Items that you may need include:

• Changing pad
• Excess diapers and diaper wipes
• Diaper ointment
• Trash can
• Hand sanitizer
• Disinfectant

Prepare the space

Make sure your hands are clean prior to changing your baby’s diaper. Always lay your baby down in a place that is safe and secure. This may require using a buckle or strap to keep them in place, especially once they have learned to roll over. Never walk away from your baby or leave them unattended during the diaper changing process.

Perfect the technique

Lots of babies, particularly boys, tend to urinate once you open their diapers and expose their bare bottoms to fresh air. You might learn that keeping them covered as much as possible for as long as possible can help prevent wet accidents. There are also shields you can purchase to cover genitalia and contain pee.

Below is a suggested step-by-step routine you can follow when changing your baby’s diaper.

1. Open a fresh diaper and place it under the existing diaper that your baby is wearing. If you are using disposable diapers, the tabs of the new diaper should be underneath the baby. Try to keep it clean and away from any soiled areas.
2. Unfasten the tabs of the old diaper and use a pee shield, tissue, or towel, if needed. You may fold the old diaper underneath the baby’s bottom if it is not too messy. This can offer extra protection during the diaper change and keep the new diaper from getting dirty.
3. Lift the baby’s feet and legs and wipe their privates from front to back. Do not reuse soiled wipes on any clean areas. Be sure you are wiping into folds or rolls of skin to properly clean the entire area.
4. Apply desired diaper ointment as needed.
5. Remove the old diaper and any soiled wipes or garments from under, on, or around the baby. Fold or bag them securely and set them far enough aside so that you or the baby don’t accidentally touch them. Again, do not leave the baby unattended.
6. Complete the diaper change by centering the diaper on the baby’s bottom, positioning it under the baby’s belly bottom, and fastening the tabs to the top, or front, of the diaper. Pull the tabs tight enough to remove gaps, but not so tight that it squeezes your baby. Check the diaper to make sure it is secure in the leg and hip area.

Designate proper disposal

Some people choose to use trash receptacles made specifically for diapers. These can be helpful in containing germs and odor. If you need to walk away from the changing area to dispose of the diaper, take your baby with you or ensure they are in a safe and supervised space, such as their crib. Dispose of the diaper and any soiled materials in a clean and timely fashion.

Clean the area

It is important to always keep the diaper-changing area clean. This way, when you need to return to it again, it is germ-free and ready to be used. Remove any visible soil and use disinfectant spray or wipes to clean the surface. Once the area is sanitary, safely store all cleaning items. Check your stock of diaper changing items to make sure you are prepared for the next diaper change. Finish by washing your hands and the baby’s hands with soap and water.

Things to consider

As good as it is to be prepared at home, you will also need to change your baby’s diapers while you are on the go. Try to carry the same necessary changing items it a diaper bag when you are out running errands or traveling.

Ensure your hands are clean, either by washing them or using hand sanitizer, then place your baby in a clean, safe space. Change the baby’s diaper and dispose of all trash while keeping the baby secure. Wipe down the changing pad if you plan on reusing it later, and again wash or sanitize your hands and the baby’s hands.

As with any new routine, be ready for unexpected circumstances. Some extra messy diaper changes may warrant a trip to the sink or tub to clean up with water, soap, and a washcloth. Others may require replacing or disposing of your changing pad. It is also not uncommon for the baby to need a new outfit entirely, so keep an extra set of clothes nearby.

Questions to ask your doctor

• How many diapers will I need to buy for my newborn baby?
• How often should I change my baby’s diaper?
• Is diaper ointment used to prevent diaper rash or to treat it?
• What type of diaper ointment should I use?

Resources

American Cleaning Institute’s Clean First Steps Diaper Changing Resource

American Academy of Pediatrics: Changing Diapers

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Diaper Changing Steps for Childcare Settings

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Doing your laundry seems like a simple task that requires little thought. However, add tiny newborn clothes and bedding to the mix and suddenly you are spending more time on laundry than you ever imagined. Here is everything you should keep in mind as you look to all those loads of laundry.

Path to better health

Newborns make big messes with their laundry and may require more frequent washing, since newborn clothing may be exposed to bodily fluids.

If you have a newborn in your home, remember these tips:

• Use a laundry detergent made for newborns. This will reduce skin irritation.
• Wash baby laundry separately from the rest of the household. This helps prevent the spread of germs or bacteria. If someone in your home is sick, you may consider washing their clothes in water that is a higher temperature or add bleach if you can. Always wash your hands after handling this laundry.
• Treat stains immediately. This is the best shot for getting rid of the stain.
• Separate laundry by degree of stain and contamination. For example, if you use reusable diapers, wash those separately from other baby clothing.
• Store all laundry detergent and additives safely out of sight and reach of children. Store products in their original containers with labels intact. In the event of an accidental exposure, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Diaper duty

If you are using cloth diapers with your baby, you will treat and wash these separately from all other laundry. It may seem intimidating at first, but once you have the process down, laundering cloth diapers is not difficult.

First, check the manufacturer’s directions for laundering the diapers and use those recommendations. In general, you can divide cloth diaper duty into three categories:

1. Prep the diapers. Do this by removing any solid waste. You may also use a diaper sprayer to help with this. Place the diaper in a diaper pail or bag until you are ready to launder (plan to wash a load of diapers at least every other day).
2. Wash the diapers. First, run the diapers through the rinse cycle. Then, you will wash them according to the fabric instructions or manufacturer’s guidelines.
3. Dry the diapers. Cloth diapers last longer if you air dry them. Air drying also helps them maintain their waterproofing.

Stain steps

The best way to prevent stains is to get to them before they set. This isn’t always possible—especially when you are caring for a baby. Here are some suggestions for some of the most common baby laundry stains. Also, do not put clothing in the dryer until you know the stain is gone. Otherwise, the heat from the dryer can set the stain.

• Baby oil. Getting oil-based stains out of fabric can be tough. If you get baby oil on clothes, first soak up the excess oil with paper towel and pretreat the stain with a stain remover. Launder as soon as you can on the hottest temperature that is safe for the fabric (check the label).
• Breast milk/formula/spit up. Probably the most culprit for stained baby clothes, breast milk/formula/spit up stains can be difficult to treat. Your best bet is to pretreat the stain as soon as possible and then let the clothing soak for at least 30 minutes. For older stains, you may need to soak for several hours. Then launder.
• Another common stain for baby laundry, poop stains are a little easier to erase. First, use a baby wipe to remove what you can, then rinse the clothing item in cold water with dish soap before laundering. Do not put clothing in the dyer until the stain is fully gone, as this may set the stain.

A refresher on laundry for the whole family

The first thing to consider when doing laundry is hygiene. Each day, our clothing comes into contact with many things, including our own body’s personal hygiene. Bodily fluids, bacteria, and sweat touches nearly everything we wear, from underwear to tops and hats.

Clothes also come into contact with allergens, such as mold, animal dander and pollen.

Washing tips

Sorting laundry isn’t only separating dark clothes and lights. You should also consider wash cycles and temperatures. Start by checking clothes labels and grouping laundry accordingly. Nearly everyone knows to check the clothing label, but did you also know you should read your laundry detergent’s instruction label, as well? Doing so will let you know how much detergent you need (more isn’t always better!).

Things to consider

Washing your clothes with the right temperature will save you money and help the environment. For example, using hot water takes more energy to heat the water and impacts your utility bill. So, save hot water for laundering when someone in the house is sick or is immuno-compromised. Also, remember to set your dryer to the appropriate setting. Not all clothes need to be dried on the hottest setting. This impacts your utility bill and the environment. Various drying cycles are recommended for different clothing. Read your dryer settings before each use. Some items might even do better or just as well when hung dry. And although hanging your clothes outside might seem like the most affordable method, this will expose them to allergens, such as pollen. It’s best to hang dry clothing indoors.

Questions to ask your doctor

• Can I get ill from wearing clothing that is exposed to bacteria?
• Can laundry detergent irritate my skin?

Resources

American Cleaning Institute: Laundry Basics

American Cleaning Institute: Cold Water Saves

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Keeping your baby healthy means more than feeding them good food and regular checkups with their doctor. It can also mean maintaining a clean environment for them at home.

Navigating the new cleaning routine can be challenging for new parents. In fact, new research from the American Cleaning Institute found that nearly 3 in 5 new or expecting parents (57%) felt less than completely prepared to use cleaning products properly and safely around a new baby

Having a proper cleaning routine can go a long way to keeping your house — and your baby — happy and healthy.

Path to improved health

There are three types of cleaning you can do around your home. It’s important to know the differences.

Cleaning is removing unwanted contaminants such as soil, dirt and grease from a surface, material, or your hands. This is typically done with soap and water or a proper surface cleaner.

Sanitizing is when you reduce—but not necessarily eliminate—the number of bacteria on a surface to levels considered safe. These levels are determined by public health codes or regulations.

Disinfecting uses chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. These can include bleach or alcohol solutions that can kill bacteria, viruses and fungi.

It is important to have a regular cleaning routine when you bring your baby home from the hospital. This includes:

• Regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, electronics, faucets, countertops, and toys.
• Wiping down the kitchen at least once a week, including the fridge, microwave and floors.
• Washing your hands after cleaning your home. Especially after changing a diaper or taking out the trash.
• Doing laundry at least once a week. If you are washing cloth diapers, you should do it every other day.
• Cleaning the baby’s high chair after each meal.

Things to consider

Babies’ immune systems aren’t as strong as adults. That’s why it’s even more important to clean thoroughly when your baby is sick. If you have a sick child, you should:

• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly.
• Have the whole household wash their hands frequently, following proper handwashing practices.
• Have hand sanitizer readily available for when washing with soap and water isn’t possible.

You should also take extra steps when washing the sick baby’s clothes, blankets and bedding. Wash with a deeper-cleaning detergent using the hot cycle on your washing machine.

Once the baby feels better, you should wash or disinfect all the toys they may have touched when they were sick. Properly cleaning and disinfecting toys depends on the type of toy.

For toys with a porous surface (made from materials that have small holes):

• Make sure the toy is machine washable before cleaning.
• Put the toy in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase that is tightly secured at the top.
• Wash it on the delicate cycle, using cold water and regular detergent.
• Keep the toy in the bag or pillowcase when you put it in the dryer on a low setting.

For toys with plastic or hard surfaces:

• Remove any dirt or soil by washing with soap and water.
• Sanitize or disinfect with EPA registered products. Be sure to read the label for proper usage.
• Let the disinfectant dry, then rinse the toys before giving them back to your child.

Toys that a baby can put in their mouth should be sanitized and rinsed between uses. You should also disinfect your baby’s play spaces on a regular basis.

Questions to ask your doctor

• What kind of cleaners are safe to use around my baby?
• How often should I clean my child’s toys and play area?
• What can happen if my house isn’t clean?

Resources

American Cleaning Institute: Clean First Steps

National Library of Medicine: Medline Plus: Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sanitizing

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Bringing your newborn baby home from the hospital can be a joyful time. But it can also be a time when you have many questions about everything. Even something as seemingly simple as bathing your baby can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin.

There are a few things you need to know, but with the proper steps, bath time can be a fun and bonding experience for you and your baby.

Path to improved health

Your baby will probably receive their first bath at the hospital. The World Health Organization recommends waiting 24 hours after birth. Bathing too soon can disrupt skin-to-skin care and mother-child bonding. It may also affect success in breastfeeding.

Once you get your baby home, they won’t need a bath every day. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 3 baths per week. When your baby comes home, the stump of the umbilical cord may still be attached. Until it falls off, you should only give your baby sponge baths. Do not put them in a tub or sink full of water. The stump will usually fall off after 1 or 2 weeks.

To give your baby a sponge bath:

• Gather supplies. This should include a bowl of lukewarm water, a washcloth, and a mild baby soap.
• Lay your baby on a comfortable, flat surface. This can be a changing table, bed, countertop, or even the floor. Use a towel to keep the surface comfortable and your baby warm. If you are bathing on a high surface, keep one hand on your baby at all times.
• Start with the head and face. Dip the washcloth into the water and gently wash around your baby’s face. This should include the neck and behind the ears.
• Clean the rest of the body. Rinse the washcloth in the water and clean the rest of the baby, leaving the diaper area for last.

Once the umbilical stump falls off and heals, your baby will be ready for a regular bath. For this, you should use an infant tub or your kitchen or bathroom sink. The first baths should be gentle and brief until the baby gets used to it.

The process for bathing your baby in the water is similar to the sponge bath. There are a few things you should be aware of:

• Choose a safe infant tub. If you are going to use an infant tub, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends a hard, plastic tub with a sloped, textured surface. This will keep your baby from sliding into the water.
• Avoid using a bath seat. These can tip over easily, causing a child to fall into the bathwater and drown.
• Never leave your baby alone. You should have all supplies within reach so you can keep one hand on your baby at all times. If you must do anything that requires you to leave the bathing area, take the baby with you.
• Check the water temperature. The bath should be warm rather than hot. Fill the tub or sink with only 2 inches of water.
• Let your baby play. If your baby enjoys the bath, let them splash and have fun. This will help prevent them from being afraid of the water.

When bath time is over, wrap a towel around your baby to keep them warm. Gently pat them dry. You can use a small amount of hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturizing lotion to prevent dry skin.

Things to consider

In addition to cleaning your baby, you need to make sure the sink—and later the tub—you use are properly cleaned after each bath.

For kitchen sinks, you should use a recommended cleaner. This can change depending on the material.

• For porcelain, use a non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner disinfectant. It can be in either liquid or powder form.
• For a stainless-steel sink, you can polish it with a cloth dipped in white vinegar or ammonia.
• Rinse and wipe down the sink after each use.
• Any towels or cloths you used should be left out to air dry or laundered in the washing machine. They should be replaced each time you bathe your baby.

For bathtubs, the cleaning process is similar.

• Rinse the tub after each use. This helps prevent the formation of soap film and hard water deposits.
• Use a small sponge to wipe down the tub walls after bathing.
• Use a towel or squeegee on shower walls. You can also dry the faucets and handles to prevent water spots.
• Keep your shower doors or curtains open to help prevent mildew. Mildew stains can be removed with a liquid bleach.
• Mist tub surfaces with daily shower cleaner while the walls are wet and warm. Spray foams and thick liquids are the most effective cleaners for vertical surfaces.

Other suitable bathtub cleaners include:

• Tub/tile/sink cleaner
• Non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner
• Disinfectant cleaner
• Mild, abrasive cleaner (liquid or powder)
• Hard water mineral remover (for mineral deposits).

Questions to ask your doctor

• What kind of soap is safe to use for bathing my baby?
• How often should my child have a bath?
• What do I do if the umbilical cord stump hasn’t fallen off after 2 weeks?

Resources

American Academy of Dermatology Association: How to Bathe Your Newborn

American Academy of Pediatrics: Bathing Your Baby

American Cleaning Institute: Bathroom Cleaning Tips

American Cleaning Institute: Kitchen Cleaning Tips

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Genes are found in chromosomes and are made up of DNA. We inherit genes from our parents. Our gene structure dictates how our body grows and regulates. When genes are normal, they work properly. When genes are abnormal or damaged, they can lead to disease. These are called gene mutations, or changes. Some changes run in families. These happen by chance and are called hereditary or inherited diseases and conditions. A gene mutation can be the sole cause of disease. However, most diseases occur from a mix of genetic and environmental factors.

Genetic testing looks at your genes to check for any mutations. The test is done with a blood, saliva, or tissue sample. There are several reasons why you might do genetic testing.

• To diagnose a disease or a type of disease
• To determine the cause of a disease
• To determine treatment options for a disease
• To find your risk of getting a certain disease that possibly can be prevented
• To find your risk of passing a disease to your children
• To screen your embryo, fetus, or baby

Path to well being

Talk to your doctor if you think you are at risk for an inherited disease. They may refer you to a genetic counselor, who can review your family history and provide advice. They will ask you questions about your health and the health of your blood relatives. This information can calculate what your risk may be. It can help you decide whether you want to get testing. It also may determine if your insurance will pay for the testing.

If one of your family members already has the disease, they should get genetic testing first. This will show if their disease was passed down or occurred by chance. People from different ethnic groups are often more at risk of certain diseases.

A positive test result means that you have the gene mutation. This increases your risk of the disease. However, it does not guarantee you will get the disease. It does mean you could pass the mutation to your children.

A negative test result means that you don’t have the gene change. This may mean the disease doesn’t run in your family or wasn’t passed down to you. A negative result does not guarantee you won’t get the disease. It means that your risk of the disease is the same as it is for other people.

Common conditions and diseases that benefit from genetic testing include:

• Colon cancer (Lynch syndrome)
• Breast cancer (BRCA gene)
• Down syndrome
• Cystic fibrosis
• Tay-Sachs disease
• Sickle cell disease
• Spina bifida
• Turner syndrome
• Von Willebrand Disease
• Albinism
• Duchenne muscular dystrophy

There are others and more are becoming available as research advances.

Things to consider

Genetic testing has pros and cons. These can change depending on your situation. Keep in mind that genetic testing is a voluntary choice. You should not feel forced to do it.

Some benefits of genetic testing include:

• You might be less worried about getting a certain disease.
• You might be able to change your lifestyle to reduce your risk.
• You might know how to move forward with family planning.
• You might be able to get treatment to prevent the disease. This could include medicine or surgery.
• Your doctor will know how often to screen for the disease.

There also are reasons you might not want genetic testing done. These are mainly emotional or financial.

• You might be more worried about getting a certain disease.
• You might feel angry, guilty, or depressed.
• It could lead to problems with your employer or insurance company.

Questions to ask your doctor

• How do I know if I should see a genetic counselor?
• If my genetic testing result is positive, what is my risk of getting the disease? What can I do to prevent or treat it?
• Should my genetic testing be done in a clinical setting or can I do it from home?

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Genetic Testing
National Cancer Institute: Genetic Testing for Inherited Cancer Susceptibility Syndromes
National Human Genome Research Institute: Genetic Testing FAQ

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Circumcision is a procedure where the foreskin (the skin that covers the tip of the penis) is removed. Circumcision isn’t required. If parents choose this for their baby, the procedure is usually done on the first or second day after birth in a healthy baby. However, it can be done within 10 days of birth. Circumcision is riskier and more complicated in infants older than 2 months of age and in older boys and men.

Circumcisions are performed by a doctor in a hospital or outpatient office. They also can be done at home by a hired professional as part of a religious or cultural ceremony.

During the procedure, the doctor will numb the area around the penis with a local anesthetic (medicine that numbs only a specific part of the body). This makes the procedure less painful for the baby. The anesthetic may be given as an injection or applied as a cream. The procedure takes about 20 minutes.

Path to improved health

After circumcision, there are steps you’ll need to follow to help the penis heal.

• Gently clean the area with water each time you change your baby’s diaper.
• Use mild soap and water to clean any stool off the penis. This will help prevent infection.
• If there is a bandage on the penis, it will probably fall off when your baby urinates. Ask your doctor if you should leave the bandage off or replace it with a new bandage each time you change your baby’s diaper.
• Your baby’s urine or the contact from his diaper may irritate the newly exposed skin on the tip of the penis. You can treat this by applying petroleum ointment (brand name: Vaseline) directly on the area. It should get better after a few days.

Healing from circumcision usually takes about 7 to 10 days. Some swelling of the penis is normal. It’s also common for a yellow discharge or coating to form over the tip of the penis. Do not try to take this off. It will go away on its own.

If you decide not to circumcise, there are still some steps you should take to care for your baby’s penis. Keep it clean with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. When your son gets older, his foreskin will separate from the tip of his penis. This is called retraction and it can happen at different times. Most boys can retract their foreskin by the time they are 5 years of age. Do not try to force the foreskin to retract before it is ready. This can damage the penis and cause pain and other problems. Once the foreskin is ready to retract, teach your son how to gently pull the foreskin back and clean the skin underneath. He should wash beneath his foreskin every day while bathing or showering.

Things to consider

Circumcision is a personal choice for you and your family. Talk to you doctor and consider the benefits and risks of circumcision. Factors such as your culture, religion, and personal preferences may affect your decision. It is best to decide before your baby is born. This way, you’ll know what to do while in the hospital.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends that parents talk to their family doctor about the potential benefits and risks of circumcision when making their decision.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend that all male newborns should be circumcised. However, it believes that parents should have the option to decide for themselves

According to research, the potential medical benefits of circumcision include:

• A reduced risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) as infants
• A reduced risk of rare penile cancer in adulthood
• A reduced risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, preventing STIs is primarily based on a person’s sexual practices rather than circumcision.

Like any surgical procedure, circumcision does have some risks, including bleeding, infection, and pain. However, the rate of problems after circumcision is quite low and very treatable.

When to call your doctor

After the circumcision, you may notice a small amount of blood on your baby’s diaper. Contact your doctor if the bloodstain is larger than the size of a quarter. You should also call your doctor if:

• The wound doesn’t stop bleeding.
• Your baby has a temperature of 100.4°F or higher.
• Your baby doesn’t have a wet diaper within 6 to 8 hours after the circumcision.
• Redness and swelling around the tip of the penis doesn’t go away after 3 to 5 days, or it gets worse.
• The yellow discharge or coating on the tip of the penis doesn’t go away after 7 days.
• A Plastibell device was used, and it doesn’t fall off within 10 to 12 days.

Questions for your doctor

• What are the benefits and risks of circumcision?
• Will my baby feel any pain during circumcision?
• Before circumcision, will you apply the anesthetic as an injection or a cream?
• How will I know if my baby’s penis is infected?
• What soap do you recommend for washing the bandaged area?

Resources

National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Circumcision

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