(A Quick Guide to the Snip-Snip)
First off — no judgment here.
Circumcision is one of those parenting decisions that comes with opinions galore. I’m not here to give pressure you one way or the other. I’m here to equip you with the information to make the right call for your family.
Wait, What Exactly Is Circumcision?
Circumcision is a procedure where the foreskin (the fold of skin covering the tip of the penis) is surgically removed. It’s typically done within the first few days of life and can be performed in a hospital by a doctor or in a religious ceremony, depending on family traditions.
How It’s Done (The Fast Version)
- Baby is placed on a padded surface (sometimes with gentle restraints to keep those wiggly legs still).
- A numbing method is used – usually a local anesthetic cream, injection, or a sugar-dipped pacifier to help with comfort.
- The foreskin is removed using one of three common methods:
- Gomco Clamp – A small clamp is placed over the foreskin, and it’s removed with a scalpel.
- Plastibell Method – A tiny plastic ring is placed around the foreskin, cutting off blood flow so the foreskin falls off on its own in about a week.
- Mogen Clamp – A simple clamp that allows for a quick snip.
The whole thing usually takes a few minutes, and babies recover quickly with the right aftercare.
What to Expect (Besides the Obvious)
Redness & Swelling:
The tip will look red, a bit swollen, maybe even a little puffy – totally normal and should improve in a few days.
A Yellowish Film:
A light yellowish coating on the tip? Looks weird, but it’s a good sign! This is part of the healing process. Just let it be (don’t scrub it off).
Some Spotting:
Tiny spots of blood on the diaper? No big deal in the first 24-48 hours. Heavy bleeding that soaks through the diaper? Call your pediatrician.
The Aftercare Checklist
1. Keep It Clean (But Chill)
- Rinse gently with warm water at every diaper change – no need for soap or scrubbing.
- Skip bubble baths until fully healed (7-10 days).
2. Petroleum Jelly = Your BFF
- Slather on a generous layer of petroleum jelly (plain, unscented) at each diaper change to prevent sticking…ouch!
- Pro tip: Put some jelly directly on the diaper too – double protection!
3. Diapering Hacks
- Keep diapers a little loose for the first few days.
- If you use cloth diapers, consider switching to disposables temporarily (less friction, easier cleanup).
4. Hands Off (Mostly)
- As tempting as it is to check progress every five minutes, less is more.
- No pulling back skin or “checking” under anything – just let it do its thing.
When to Call the Doc
Most circumcisions heal without a hitch, but call your pediatrician if you notice:
- Bleeding that won’t stop (more than a few drops here and there).
- No pee within 6-8 hours post-procedure.
- Severe swelling or redness that’s getting worse instead of better.
- Yellow or green discharge with a bad smell (a light yellow film is fine, goopy discharge is not).
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
Keep it clean, keep it gooped up, and keep an eye out for anything unusual!
What if we skip all this and just go with intact care?
Easy! If your baby is uncircumcised, the only care needed is wipe like a finger when diapering and bathing — no pulling back the foreskin ever!
To Snip or Not to Snip?
That’s 100% your call. Here’s the TL;DR:
- Circumcision may reduce UTI risk in infancy, lower STI risk later, and eliminate foreskin-related issues.
- Keeping it intact avoids surgery, aftercare, and surgery-related risks, maintains sensitivity, and requires basic hygiene (just like snipped penises do).
- Most boys will be totally fine either way.
Want the research? Just ask!
Bottom Line:
If you’re unsure, talk to your pediatrician or a trusted medical professional to weigh your family’s unique considerations. No matter what you choose, your baby is lucky to have a parent who cares enough to do their homework!