When your little one was in your womb, the only connection between you and him was the umbilical cord. It was through this life-giving pipe that you could pass on those essential nutrition and oxygen to your growing baby.
Once you deliver your baby the cord is cut and what remains is the small portion of the cord attached to his belly button. In the initial days of your baby’s birth, it is important to take utmost care of this belly button. In case of improper care or ignorance, there are chances of your baby developing an infection in the belly button..
4 Ways To Take Care Of Your Newborn Baby Belly Button:
The small stump of the umbilical cord which remains attached to your baby’s navel might fall off naturally within 1-2 weeks after the birth. But during those times you need to take proper baby belly button care, so that it withers away naturally.
Below are the suggested ways to take care of your baby’s belly button:
1. Keep The Area Clean:
You should maintain proper hygiene when it comes to the umbilical cord stump.
- After your baby is delivered the doctors may wrap the residual cord with a plastic, so that it can remain clean.
- Many a times the plastic may come out and the cord remains open. If this happens, you have to make sure that you clean the area at least once a day.
- Always use a clean sponge or clean soft cloth to wash that area.
2. Be Careful While Bathing Your Baby:
This is still a debatable issue.
- Many say that you should only sponge your baby and not give him a bath till the cord stump falls away.
- However, there is no harm in giving your baby a quick wash with water, as long as you can keep the stump dry and away from water. This can be quite tricky hence it is advisable to avoid a proper bath unless it falls off.
- In case the belly button gets wet, make sure to dry it with a tissue or towel immediately.
- Sometimes, your baby’s belly button might get dirty if your baby urinates or poops. Make sure to clean it lightly with water and then dry it.
3. Be Cautious While Dressing Your Baby:
The belly button is the most delicate part in your baby’s body. At the same time it is a hindrance when you dress up your baby or make him wear diapers.
- Always make your little one wear the diaper in such a way that the cord stump remains in the air and is not hassled by anything.
- Take care while dressing your baby and keep the area as much open as you can.
4. Let It Fall Off Naturally:
Let the stump get withered out on its own.
- If in case it takes longer than the stipulated time, do not get anxious.
- In some cases it might get late for the stump to fall. But do not attempt anything on your own.
- In such scenarios doctor’s advice works best.
After the umbilical stump falls off, your baby’s belly button shows up. Because of the fall, the belly button may look red or have rashes. In some cases even blood can ooze out of it. But this is again normal and not a cause of worry. The belly button will also heal in a time of 2 weeks.
What Are The Symptoms Of Baby Belly Button Infection?
In certain cases, things might go wrong if the belly button causes any infection.
- If you find the below mentioned symptoms of infection in your baby, you should immediately see the doctor.
- When your baby develops fever.
- When the navel area smells bad or when there is puss developing inside.
- The skin around the belly button becomes red and tender.
- The baby cries when you touch his navel slightly.
- If the stump gets swollen and blood oozes from it.
Be aware of the infections that can happen to your baby’s belly button. It is better to act on priority in such situations. Go by your instinct, and remember, your doctor is the best person to turn to for any advice.
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Article written by Palak Shah
