The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions for preventive care after a circumcision:

• Clean the area thoroughly and gently each time you change your baby's diaper.
• If a bandage was used to protect the area, change the bandage during every diaper change.
• If a Plastibell device was used, call your doctor if it doesn't fall off after 10 to 12 days.
• Apply petroleum jelly to prevent irritation and infection.
• A small amount of blood in the baby's diaper is normal, but contact your doctor without delay if the stain is larger than the size of a quarter.
• Call your doctor if you spot any symptoms of infection, including fever, significant redness or swelling, or a yellow discharge.

-- Diana Kohnle