It is important to do this especially after the baby has passed stools. Any stool or vaginal discharge left on the skin can cause a vaginal infection or urinary tract infection if it is not cleaned away. With a baby boy, never attempt to pull back the foreskin of the penis. The foreskin and the tip of the penis are united at birth and only gradually separate. It is unnecessary to pull back the foreskin in order to wash the penis until the child is about four years old.
Medical opinion is divided about the value of circumcision.
If for social or religious reasons a baby is to be circumcised, the operation should be performed before the tenth day after birth. The foreskin and the cone fall off together within two or three days. After a baby is circumcised, a gauze bandage with petroleum jelly is usually applied for 12 to 24 hours. After the bandage has been gently removed, apply a sterile piece of gauze impregnated with petroleum jelly to prevent diapers from sticking to the skin. Similar dressings should be used for at least two more days.