Private Parts: Things moms of newborn and toddler boys need to know

For a lot of moms — those who have daughters, or haven’t experienced the nuances of baby boys — caring for a newborn and toddler boy’s “private area” can be a bewildering experience. What should everything look like? Why is my son’s privates swollen? How do I clean the area?  These are commonly asked questions but topics that are not commonly discussed outside the pediatricians office. “I remember when my son was born and worrying if everything looked normal,” recalls Elizabeth, mom of an 18-month-old toddler boy. “That area was totally foreign to me and I’m someone who is not entirely comfortable about talking about it.” Boston Children’s Hospital urologist, Erin McNamara, MD, MPH, and several veteran moms of baby boys discuss these delicate topics and offer helpful tips to care for newborn and toddler boys. Tackling tugging A boy’s hands seem to be magnetically drawn to their penis. As soon as their diaper opens or once they are in “big boy pants,” they are shifting, cupping and tugging. McNamara says tugging is a normal part of childhood development. “Tugging can begin in boys as early as 4 to 6 months, while some boys start later in childhood,” she adds. “This happens because they are beginning to discover different parts of their body.” For moms of toddler and older boys, the words, “hands out of your pants” are engrained in their daily dialogue. “Both of my sons tug, and their...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: circumcision Department of Urology Erin McNamara Hernia MD Undescended testicle Source Type: news