I've been told that it could be at least to 2 years old before the foreskin completely pulls back - or at least until the child gets routine erections.  Also, as far as cleaning, just gently tug on the adhesion as best you can without causing pain. This will encourage the foreskin to "peel" back.

 

I'm not going to be any help to you.  I have four girls! lol.  You could ask my better half for advice.  Radical B.  He is after all a man, and having the background he has, might be able to offer some help on the getting them to do it side of things.

Good luck, and if I have a boy this time, I'll be coming to you first! lol.

Hi

I don't think it is a dumb question.

I know that there is debate about the foreskin thing. My sons' first paed told me to pull my sons foreskin back when he was about 3 - until it caused him discomfort, the idea being that it would gradually separate a bit further. The GP said NO NO NO. So we didn't pursue it. His foreskin now comes back a bit, and he does it himself when I remind him (HINT: don't ask a 6yo to do this when they are peeing! Makes a HUGE mess LOL).

Our new paed told me to again do this with our younger son - who is now 3.5. Both paeds (old and new) recommended a special steroidal cream to assist - took about 2 weeks of using the cream on DS2, his foreskin now comes back as far as his older brothers, but neither are fully detached as yet. We don't need to keep pulling it back for DS2.

Sorry if this is TMI.

thanks very much guys, and whoever added that link, it was most informative. thankyou so much, great job!

OK I taught all my boys when they were younger. Just let them play around with themselves in the bath, but if they don't want to do that, that;s fine. I just ask my 6 yr old when he is bathing, have you washed behind your ears, have you washed your armpits, have you washed under your feet, have you washed your penis. As he is asked each of these he does them.

There is really no special care needed for washing of a penis until the foreskin has separated from the penis. This will generally take place as the child grows. So long as he is in the bath and the water is swishing around and he does wash the outside he is OK. Once the foreskin has separated it is then only a matter of pulling it back and washing with warm water and ensuring that all soap is washed off as this can cause irritation.

As to the tip of the penis showing, this will happen when the foreskin detaches. This can happen at any age but will certainly be done by 18. It will usually happen in childhood or puberty. Don't stress, it happens to everyone differently.

It can take up to the age of 7 for the foreskin to fully come away from the head of the penis. It isn't a problem, just encourage him to pull it back as far as he comfortably can. Maybe if your 4 year old gets a few lessons with his dad he might feel more comfortable doing it?

cant help with the foreskin bit as my son and hubby are both circumsised, but we get alex to move the skin while he is in the bath ( we even shut the door over for privarcy)
all i can sugest that you keep on at them to move it about. i have found in the bath is the best for them.