Raising Children Network: the Australian parenting website
  • Suitable for 0-18Months

Genital care

By Raising Children Network
 
 

Cleaning of the penis

As with any part of the body, good general hygiene for the penis will help prevent infection and disease. It is particularly important for uncircumcised boys.

The circumcised penis

If your baby boy is circumcised, keeping his penis clean is quite straightforward. Gently rinse the genital area while bathing. It’s not necessary to use soap, but if you are going to, choose soap with a built-in moisturiser, and use just a small amount. Harsh soap and excessive washing can irritate the penis.  

The uncircumcised penis

Parents with uncircumcised boys often have questions about keeping the penis clean, since these children still have the foreskin covering most of the head (or glans) of the penis.

Only the outside of the foreskin needs to be cleaned during the first two or three years. This is done at bath time and bath water alone is enough to do this. The foreskin will not become loose or mobile until the boy is two or three years old, or possibly later. It is normal for a milky white substance (called smegma) to gather under the foreskin. This is made of dead skin cells and natural secretions.

Cleaning and care of the labia

Nappy creams, sweat and other substances can collect in and around the labia. When you are bathing your baby girl, wet a cotton ball, hold her legs apart and wipe between the labia with the cotton ball. Start at the front and gently wipe backwards. You might notice a discharge that looks a bit like egg white: this is perfectly normal and you don't need to clean it away. If you are unsure about any other discharge, see your doctor or maternal and child health nurse.

 
  • Last reviewed15-05-2006