Once the stump falls off, you can give your baby a proper bath. You don’t have to clean the belly button any more or less than the rest of baby’s body. You can use the corner of a washcloth to clean in the belly button, but you don’t need to use soap or to scrub too hard.
Dip a cotton swab in warm water. Squeeze the tip to remove the excess water. Gently clean around the base of the cord and then the surrounding skin, then hold the stump with a clean absorbent cloth to dry it completely. It is important that the umbilical cord remain clean and dry until it falls off naturally.
Getting some poop on the cord or navel is not serious. If it occurs, clean the area with soap and water. This should prevent any infections.
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Bathing:
- After the cord falls off, continue sponge baths for a few more days.
- Help the belly button area dry up.
- Then, tub baths will be fine.
While the stump is drying up and just after it falls off, you might notice some oozing around baby’s belly button. This might be clear, sticky or brownish, and it might leave a mark on your baby’s clothes or nappy. It might also smell a little. This is part of the healing process.
Gently wipe his navel with a wet washcloth that has a few drops of soap and rinse. This daily practice can prevent dirt from accumulating in your baby’s navel. Don’t forget to make sure the inside is thoroughly dry (use a cotton swab). A moist belly button can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.
Once the stump falls off, you can give your baby a proper bath. You don’t have to clean the belly button any more or less than the rest of baby’s body. You can use the corner of a washcloth to clean in the belly button, but you don’t need to use soap or to scrub too hard.
Can you clean umbilical cord?
After birth, the cord is clamped and cut. Eventually between 1 to 3 weeks the cord will become dry and will naturally fall off. During the time the cord is healing it should be kept as clean and as dry as possible. A sponge bath is the best way to clean your baby until the umbilical cord falls off.
An outie belly button is a cosmetic issue and doesn’t require surgery. Granulomas need to be treated to avoid infection. Hernias usually disappear on their own and those that don’t can be treated with a simple surgical procedure after the age of 4 or 5.
It’s normal for your baby’s belly button to have a little brown pigment inside it, even after the cord falls off completely. Umbilical cord stumps rarely become infected. However, if you notice swelling, pus, redness, or a strong odor around the navel, see your baby’s pediatrician.
Keep The Area Clean
Pediatricians used to recommend cleaning the base of the cord with rubbing alcohol. However, most now recommend leaving the stump completely alone because alcohol is believed to irritate the skin and sometimes delays healing.
Hydrogen peroxide, wetted on a gauze or cotton ball, is perhaps the best choice for cleaning. A little mildly soapy water can also be used. (Rubbing alcohol was recommended in the past, but it tends to cause rashes).
Continue to keep your baby’s belly button area clean and dry by washing with plain water when in the bath and patting it dry. Keep folding your baby’s nappy down and allow some time to air dry it. If the belly button has some ooze, you can wet a cotton bud with warm water to gently clean it, ensuring it doesn’t bleed.
Normal Navel Care:
- Keep the navel (belly button) clean and dry.
- If there are any secretions, clean them away. Use a wet cotton swab. Then, dry carefully.
- Do this gently to prevent any bleeding.
- Caution: Don’t use any rubbing alcohol. Reason: can interfere with healing.