Cleaning the Umbilical Stump
Gather everything you need. Prepare your bath time items beforehand to avoid leaving your baby unattended. Get a large, soft towel to lay your baby on, or use their changing station – you need to give your baby sponge baths before their cord falls off, not submerge them in water. Gather a sponge or another soft towel, cotton swabs or Q-tips, a bowl of warm water, gentle baby soap or cleanser, and a clean diaper and clothes.
Wash your hands. Keep your baby’s cord clean by washing your own hands before handling your baby. Use soap and warm water to lather your hands well for at least 30 seconds, and rinse them thoroughly. Wash your hands before and after you change your baby’s diaper, and any time you’re going to touch their umbilical area.
Gently wipe around the cord’s base. Dip a cotton swab in warm water and squeeze the end to get rid of extra water. Clean the skin around the cord and the base of the cord with the cotton swab. Keep the actual cord dry.
Remove any dirty materials with soapy water. If there’s dirt, feces, or urine around the cord, add a little gentle baby cleanser to your water and use this to clean the area with a fresh cotton swab. Use a gentle wiping motion; there’s no need to harshly scrub.
Dry the cord thoroughly. Use a clean, dry cloth to hold the umbilical stump until it is completely dry. Pat or blot the surrounding area dry (don’t rub). Once the cord is totally dry, you can put on your baby’s fresh diaper. Don’t cover the cord with the diaper – fold the top down so it doesn't irritate the area.
Watch out for problems with the cord stump. Usually, the umbilical stump will fall off naturally within three weeks from when your baby is born. Do not pull off the umbilical stump; it's important to let it fall off naturally. While you're cleaning the cord area, look for signs of possible infection such as pus or drainage, redness, and swelling in the area, or if your baby is lethargic, fussy, or has a fever. A little dried blood around the stump is normal, but take your baby to the doctor right away if you notice any signs of infection. Never pull on the umbilical cord—just allow it to fall off on its own.
Cleaning a Healed Belly Button
Prepare your tub with lukewarm water. If you have a baby tub, fill it partially with lukewarm water. If you’re using a regular bathtub, add 2-3 inches of water and be sure to keep your baby upright and supported. Keep one hand on your baby at all times during a bath in a tub.
Clean the belly button last. Clean your baby’s hair, face, and body first. When you’re about to end the bath, wipe the skin around the belly button and inside their belly button with a clean wet washcloth and some gentle baby soap. Rinse the area with warm water to get the soap off.
Dry the area well. Pat your baby’s stomach and belly button dry with a clean, soft, dry towel. Be sure to dry inside the belly button by gently patting dry with the towel – don’t rub hard or scrub the area. Dress your baby once they’re dry.
Avoid using other products on newborns. If your baby’s cord recently fell off, don’t use lotions. The belly button might still be healing and lotions can cause irritation or infection. Simply let the belly button get plenty of air and keep it clean and dry.
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