If you have a baby boy and you are worried about a problem with your child, it is a good idea to know some basic information about a newborn’s body. You will need to know what to look for, and how to treat common conditions. For example, you will need to know if a newborn boy has swollen scrotum, or testicles, or if his ears are enlarged.
Penis
When you bring your newborn baby boy home from the hospital, it’s important to know how to care for his genitals. You’ll want to make sure his genitals are clean, healthy and free from infection. If you’re not sure, it’s probably a good idea to contact your health care provider.
The normal length of a newborn boy’s penis is 1.1 to 1.6 inches. In addition, the circumference is between 0.35 and 0.5 inches. This is measured from the tip to the base of the penis.
Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes the foreskin from a newborn baby’s penis. This can be performed during the birth process or later on. However, parents typically choose to have the procedure done in the first few days after birth.
Ears
Baby’s ears play an important role in learning to talk, walk and interact with other people. However, they can also become a source of embarrassment for a child. This is why some may opt to have surgical correction of their newborn baby’s ears.
The first thing to remember is that the shape and color of a child’s ear are determined by genetics. In addition, the ear can develop differently depending on the age of the child. Therefore, it’s wise to take regular photographs of your newborn to track its progress.
Head
If you are bringing a new baby home, one of your first concerns might be the head shape. Newborns are known for having funny shaped heads. Thankfully, these quirks usually go away by the time your baby is a year old.
The skull of a newborn is a complex collection of soft, malleable bones. Each of these bones is connected to the next by flexible spaces called sutures. These sutures help the head to squeeze through the birth canal.
During infancy, these bones grow and expand to fit the shape of the brain. This can cause the skull to develop flat areas, also known as fontanelles.
E.R. visits for toddler boys
If you’re a parent of a newborn you may have heard of an E.R., but you may not know where to go. It’s always a good idea to have a plan in mind. There are many ERs in the Greater Boston area and your doctor will likely be able to recommend one.
A triage nurse will take your baby’s temperature and measure his pulse. She will also ask you about your medical history and give you a preliminary physical examination. This is not an exhaustive list, but it should give you a good idea of what to expect from your visit.
Swollen scrotum
If your newborn baby boy has swollen testicles, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Scrotal swelling can indicate the presence of a number of non-neoplastic etiologies.
Hydroceles are one type of scrotal swelling that can occur in boys. These are fluid-filled pouches that form inside the scrotum around the testicle.
Hydroceles usually do not cause pain. In fact, most of them go away on their own. However, if the swelling is painful, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment.
Hydroceles typically occur in infants and young boys. Some causes include an inguinal hernia, a tumor of the testicle, and idiopathic scrotal edema.
Epstein’s pearls
In the early stages of their development, newborns can develop a condition called Epstein’s pearls. These are small, white nodules that may look like emerging teeth. Although they are usually benign, these cysts can be painful for the baby.
These nodules are formed by trapped skin and keratin in the fetal mouth. They typically appear on the gums and tongue of the baby. Often, the nodules form in groups of two to six.
They are normally harmless, but they can interfere with a child’s feeding. You should consult your doctor if your baby has any discomfort.
Testicles
When a baby boy is born, it is very common for one or both of his testicles to remain undescended. This condition is known as cryptorchidism.
Symptoms of a boy with undescended testicles include an abnormally small scrotum, asymmetrical scrotum, or an underdeveloped scrotum. It is important to seek medical attention for your child’s condition.
A physical examination is the first way to detect if your son has an undescended testicle. If your doctor suspects your baby has one, he may suggest a laparoscopy or orchidopexy. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed on a child without a hospital stay.