Erections are a natural part for a healthy male, but when they outset occurring in babies and little boys information technology tin be a niggling disconcerting – especially for mums! Not sure if it'southward normal? Here's everything yous've wanted to know about erections in children (but were also embarrassed to enquire!).

Early risers

A infant boy tin can offset having erections from a very early historic period, while they're still in the womb to be precise! And so don't be shocked if yous see your newborn with one when you're irresolute his nappy or having a bath. Then every bit little boys grow and go more mobile, they'll naturally explore their body – including touching their penis and maybe even trying to brand information technology erect.

Therefore, it's quite common for both babies and toddlers to have frequent erections. However, unlike developed erections, they won't atomic number 82 to ejaculation. This doesn't happen until puberty, which on average is around the historic period of 11 or older. Phew!

Baby boy being changed

Why they happen

There are many unlike causes of erections in children, and they're not all sexual. In newborns, often there is no apparent reason – it could merely be the air hit their genitals when yous change them, or peradventure their bladder is full, and they need to urinate.

While information technology may be a bit shocking to see at kickoff, at that place's no need to worry. It's completely normal and is a good sign that everything is functioning correctly down there.

In older babies and toddlers, however, the erection might be a result of them touching, rubbing or playing with their penis every bit they've worked out it feels pleasurable. Once again, this is entirely normal and shouldn't be discouraged. Just there are some ways to help manage this and so that information technology's not uncomfortable or embarrassing for yous, them or anyone else.

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Managing penis play

It'southward very important that your child doesn't feel ashamed or like they're doing something wrong by having an erection or touching themselves. Nevertheless, no 1 wants to run into this at the dinner table or the park either.

Stay calm at all times and gently explain to your child that there'due south a time and place for penis play – in individual only.

Although he may want to do information technology at other times, he must wait until he'southward by himself. Some young boys also rub their penis on things like the bed before sleep or toys every bit a way of comforting themselves which tin can be a difficult addiction to break.

little boy looking down

Not fun for all

Not all picayune boys find erections pleasurable. Some kids are frightened past the change in their penis or find it uncomfortable or painful, specially if the erection is quite potent and lasts for a while. Don't exist surprised if your piddling male child tells you information technology hurts or cries out in pain. If you tin can see he has an erection, simply explain to him that information technology's a normal thing that sometimes happens to boys. Assistance him to feel more comfy – either past putting loose pants on or giving him a bathroom.

When to worry

Most erections are normal and harmless in children and go downwardly past themselves fairly quickly with no issues. However, there are a few instances when information technology might be something more serious. If your son's erection lasts for more than an hour, there'due south redness or a rash, he has a fever, or it looks very swollen, and so information technology'southward best to accept him to the doctor for an assessment.

If the erections are particularly painful and prolonged, it could be a condition chosen priapism which usually but occurs in adult men or boys aged 5 to ten years who accept a disease such equally leukaemia or trauma to their penis or pelvis (frequently from child abuse). If left untreated, information technology tin can result in permanent erectile or penile dysfunction. If your son's erections are regularly painful and last a long fourth dimension, then see a doctor immediately.

If you're concerned at all about your child's erections or genitalia, and then delight speak to a md.

Read more than stories like this:

  • 7 mutual penis problems in piffling boys and how to solve them
  • Everything you wanted to know nearly little boys and their erections
  • Does size really thing? A guide to what's normal for your son's genitalia
  • Mums of lilliputian boys: Here are 7 fun facts about the penis and testicles
  • Why retracting your uncircumcised baby boy's foreskin is non a good idea
  • Flustered or clueless? Everything y'all demand to know about toddler masturbation
  • What yous need to know virtually caring for your picayune boy's genitals
  • An expert answers eight mutual mum questions about little boys' penis health
  • Toilet grooming: Why does my son give himself erections and pee everywhere?
  • Weighing it up: Sorting through the pros and cons of circumcision
  • Babies can get a urinary tract infection too – here's what you demand to know

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