My baby is not circumcised and I have heard he can easily get an infection under the foreskin. What is the best way to keep this area clean?

The foreskin is the skin that covers the end of the penis. Although this skin is part of the penis at birth, as the boy grows the skin loosens from the penis. The process can take five to ten years. In an older boy the foreskin can be completely retracted to reveal the tip of the penis.

It can cause problems if you try to retract the foreskin or clean it too vigorously. The penis can be kept clean with soap and water during bathing. Once retraction has occurred, it can be helpful to gently retract and clean under it periodically.

For boys who have been circumcised, the same gentle cleaning with soap and water is applicable.