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The foreskin can be retracted when its inside fold separates from the [[glans]] and its opening widens. This usually happens by age 18. Even if the glans and foreskin separate by themselves in infancy, the foreskin still may not be retractable then because the opening of a baby's foreskin may be just large enough to allow for the passage of [[urine]].
The first person to retract a child's [[foreskin ]] should be the child himself.<ref name="Wright1994">{{REFjournal
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A very young boy usually pulls his [[foreskin ]] outward. This is normal and natural and no cause for concern; he won't hurt himself. Once a boy discovers that his foreskin is retractable (a wondrous discovery for an [[intact ]] child), he can easily learn to care for himself. Telling your son about retractability beforehand will keep him from becoming alarmed the first time his foreskin retracts.
When a boy is old enough to bathe himself, he can wash his [[penis]] when he washes the rest of himself. Simple instructions may be helpful.
=== What is phimosis? ===
The Greek word [[phimosis]] means muzzled and is used -- — often incorrectly -- — to refer to a foreskin that cannot be retracted (for whatever reason). A comprehensive discussion of phimosis is beyond the scope of this pamphlet. What parents should know is that almost all babies have non-retractable foreskins, that this is normal, and that the foreskins of most males become retractable by the time they are 18. It is also important to know that many adult males with non-retractable foreskins are perfectly happy with them that way. Adult males with non-retractable foreskins who would rather their foreskins were retractable can easily and safely [[tissue expansion| stretch their foreskin opening]] until it is large enough to slip comfortably over their glans. A non-retractable foreskin is not, in itself, an indication for [[circumcision]].
=== What happens if someone retracts my son's foreskin prematurely? ===
{{SEEALSO}}
* [[Foreskin Care for Boys]* [[Intact-friendly]]
* [[Retraction of the foreskin]]