Eligibility review
Confirm age, weight, feeding, health and anatomy before an appointment.
By appointment
Clear guidance for your newborn’s circumcision.
Our team explains eligibility, preparation, pain control, the procedure and aftercare so parents can make an informed decision.
Information for parents
A careful decision supported by clear information
Newborn circumcision is an optional procedure. We review potential benefits, risks, pain control, eligibility and aftercare, then assess the baby before proceeding on an available appointment date.
Informed consent
Parents receive balanced information and time to ask questions before deciding.
Clinical assessment
The physician confirms that the baby appears suitable for the procedure.
Aftercare support
Leave with written instructions, expected healing changes and warning signs.
Complete procedure support
Guidance before, during and after circumcision
Eligibility and final suitability are confirmed by the treating physician. Parents receive individualized instructions for preparation and healing.
Benefits and limitations
Discuss current evidence without presenting circumcision as medically required for every baby.
Procedure explanation
Understand the technique, typical duration and what happens on the day.
Pain management
Review local anesthetic and supportive comfort measures used by the clinician.
Bleeding risk
Discuss vitamin K, family bleeding history and medicines that may affect clotting.
Feeding and comfort
Plan feeding, soothing and routine care before and after the appointment.
Healing and diaper care
Learn how to keep the area clean and prevent the diaper from sticking.
Follow-up concerns
Know when bleeding, fever, urination changes or worsening redness need help.
What to expect
A straightforward visit from arrival to next steps
Know what happens before you arrive, while you are with the clinician and after your assessment.
1
Call for eligibility
Confirm current age range, available dates, fees and required records.
2
Review consent
Discuss the optional procedure, alternatives, expected benefits and possible complications.
3
Examine the baby
The physician checks general health and anatomy before deciding to proceed.
4
Learn aftercare
Receive instructions for dressing, cleaning, comfort, healing and urgent concerns.
Prepare for your visit
Bring the essentials
A little preparation helps the clinician understand your health and make safer decisions.
- Baby's health card or available registration documents
- Hospital discharge information and birth details
- Vitamin K information and relevant laboratory results
- Diapers, wipes, feeding supplies and a comforting blanket
- Payment method and any forms requested when booking
Deciding whether to circumcise
Circumcision removes the foreskin covering the head of the penis. For most families it is elective rather than required treatment. Some choose it for religious, cultural, family or personal reasons. Others choose not to proceed. Both decisions deserve respectful care.
The Canadian Paediatric Society advises parents to discuss up-to-date benefits and risks with a healthcare professional and does not recommend routine circumcision of every newborn. Potential benefits must be considered alongside pain, bleeding, infection, injury and the fact that an uncircumcised penis normally requires only gentle external cleaning in infancy.
Before the appointment
Call early because the clinic offers the procedure on selected dates and has a preferred eligibility window. Reception will explain current age or weight limits, fees and records. Tell the team about prematurity, jaundice, illness, feeding concerns, vitamin K refusal, unusual genital anatomy or a family history of bleeding disorders.
Do not change feeding unless specifically instructed. A baby who is feverish, unwell or has an anatomic concern may have the procedure postponed or be referred for specialist assessment. The final decision to proceed is made after the physician’s examination.
Procedure and pain control
The physician explains the technique and obtains informed consent. Newborns experience pain, so local anesthetic is an important part of care. Comfort measures can be used in addition to—not instead of—adequate anesthesia.
Parents should understand common short-term changes and possible complications before the procedure begins. Ask who to contact after hours and whether a routine follow-up is planned.
Caring for your baby afterward
Follow the clinic’s written instructions for dressings, petroleum jelly, cleaning and bathing. Frequent diaper changes help keep the area clean. Hold, feed and comfort the baby normally unless told otherwise.
A small amount of spotting may occur, but persistent or active bleeding is not normal. Seek help for concerning bleeding, worsening swelling, fever, an unwell appearance, foul discharge or difficulty urinating. Call 911 for severe bleeding, breathing difficulty, marked lethargy or another emergency.
Read the Canadian Paediatric Society’s parent resource on circumcision of baby boys.
Medical information is for general education and does not replace professional advice. Eligibility, technique and aftercare instructions must be confirmed directly with the treating clinician.
Before you visit
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about accessing walk-in care at our Scarborough clinic.
Is newborn circumcision routinely recommended?
The Canadian Paediatric Society does not recommend routine circumcision for every newborn. It is an optional decision often influenced by family, cultural or religious values. Parents should receive balanced information about benefits and risks.
Is the procedure covered by OHIP?
Circumcision performed for non-medical reasons is generally not covered by provincial health insurance. Call the clinic for current fees, accepted payment and what the fee includes.
How is pain managed?
Newborns feel pain, so an appropriate local anesthetic should be used. The clinician may also discuss supportive measures such as feeding, swaddling or a sugar solution. Ask about the clinic's current protocol.
How long does healing take?
Healing commonly takes about seven to ten days. Some redness and a yellowish healing film can be expected, but parents should follow the specific written instructions supplied by the clinician.
When should we seek help after the procedure?
Seek prompt advice for persistent bleeding, worsening redness or swelling, foul-smelling or green discharge, a rectal temperature of 38°C or higher, an unwell baby or no urine within the timeframe stated in your aftercare instructions.