Aftercare Instructions
Everything you need to know about caring for your baby after circumcision
First 24 Hours
Keep your baby calm and comfortable - extra cuddles help!
Feed on demand - breastfeeding or bottle as normal
Keep the dressing in place - do not remove it yourself
Some fussiness and crying is completely normal
A small amount of light bleeding or spotting on the nappy is normal
Nappy Changes
Change nappies frequently to keep the area clean and dry
Apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) at each change
Fasten nappies loosely to avoid pressure on the area
Use fragrance-free wipes or cotton wool with warm water
Gently clean any soiling - pat dry, don't rub
Bathing
Avoid baths for first 48 hours
After 48 hours, gentle baths are fine - avoid soaking
Use plain warm water - no soap directly on the healing area
Pat the area dry gently after bathing
Pain Management
(For babies over 4 weeks old) give paracetamol (Panadol) as directed for age and weight
Give first dose before the local anaesthetic wears off (within 2 hours)
Continue for 24-48 hours as needed
Most babies only need pain relief for the first day
Note: Do not use ibuprofen (Nurofen) unless specifically advised by the doctor.
Healing Timeline
Days 1-3
Swelling is normal. Yellow/white coating may appear - this is healing tissue, not infection.
Days 4-7
Swelling begins to reduce. The area may look bruised - this is normal.
Days 7-10 (Plastibell)
The plastic ring falls off naturally. Do not pull or remove it yourself.
Weeks 4-6
Full healing occurs. The area will look normal and healthy.
Normal Signs During Healing
Mild swelling for 3-5 days
Yellow/white coating on the glans
Light bruising or discolouration
Small spots of blood in nappy
Mild fussiness for first 24-48 hours
Slight redness around the site
When to Contact Us
Call us immediately if you notice any of the following:
Active bleeding that doesn't stop with gentle pressure
Signs of infection: increasing redness, pus, or foul smell
Fever above 38°C
Baby not urinating within 6-8 hours
Excessive swelling that worsens after day 3
Baby refusing to feed or unusually lethargic
Aftercare guidance is included in the circumcision service. You can also review what is included in the circumcision fee.