How should I care for my baby son's penis?
For babies, it's best to avoid bubble baths, as they can be drying and irritating to penile tissue. And when bathing your son, it isn't necessary to retract his foreskin. Actually, you won't be able to for several months or even years -- it takes that long for the foreskin to separate from the penis. Even when the foreskin has separated and can be retracted safely, the best advice is simply to leave it alone. You may do more harm than good by interfering with its self-cleaning mechanism.
If your baby has been circumcised, you need do little more than keep the penis clean and apply lots of Vaseline. For the first few days after a circumcision, the penis may look quite red, and you may notice a yellowish secretion. This is not a cause for alarm -- both indicate that the penis is healing normally. Though circumcision sites rarely get infected, signs of an infection include persisting redness, a swollen penis tip, and crusted yellow sores which contain fluid. If you notice any of these signs, call your doctor immediately.
How should I care for my baby daughter's vaginal area?
With a moist cloth, wipe the area from front to back to avoid transferring any bacteria from her anus to her vagina. You may notice that her genitals are swollen and red, or that she has a clear, white, or slightly bloody discharge -- these are all normal in the first few weeks and result from exposure to maternal hormones during pregnancy. If these symptoms persist after the first six weeks, though, mention them to the doctor at your baby's six-week check-up.
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