Your baby’s belly button is one-of-a-kind. You’re probably aware that your baby got all he needed in the uterus before being delivered via the umbilical cord, and thus the belly button.
You’ve probably noticed that everyone’s belly button is a little different. In some it has sunk deep into the abdominal wall, in others, it sticks out a little. Also, in babies, a small piece of the umbilical cord remains attached to the navel.
This is dark in color and becomes very hard after a few days. It can be awkward when wrapping the baby or dressing him and can even get irritated to top it all off.
What is the best way to take care of a baby’s belly button?
You may be wondering why the baby’s navel needs special care beyond simple washing. Don’t worry: in most cases, you don’t have to worry too much about it, because the umbilical cord stump falls off on its own between 5 and 14 days after birth.
While in the hospital, your nurse also regularly checks the condition of your newborn’s umbilical stump and treats it with powder, an antiseptic solution, plain water, or another product, depending on the results she has had in the past.
It is important to touch it as little as possible and to keep it dry. To do this, a sterile compress can help. This allows air to pass through and isolates the baby’s navel from the clamp.
Some pediatricians and midwives advise leaving it exposed as much as possible. If that’s what you want to do, fold down the diaper so as to leave the wound and the clamp in the open air.
If you need to clean the belly button yourself, it is best to use a cotton swab dipped in warm boiled water. Always wash your hands before umbilical care and do not use products or powders.
Don’t worry: you won’t risk hurting the baby by giving him umbilical care. There are no nerves at the end of the cord stump that could make healing painful.
What to do in case of inflammation or umbilical hernia?
In very rare cases, the baby’s belly button may experience inflammation, which you recognize by the fact that it is surrounded by redness or that it secretes a liquid that sometimes gives off a certain odor.
The belly button may also swell or your child may be feverish without you being able to recognize the signs of infection. In these cases, you need to go to the pediatrician to see if there is an umbilical hernia.
What happens when the rest of the umbilical cord stump falls off?
The cord stump has finally fallen. You will then be relieved and your midwife will be happy that it resolved itself. Sometimes the navel continues to ooze for a few more days. After the bath, you can very gently dab the navel with a clean cloth.
Newborn belly button is bleeding,what to do?
After the cord has dried and fallen off, the belly button may bleed a little and continue to ooze slightly. This is called an umbilical granuloma.
This is due to the separation of blood vessels. If the bleeding is profuse, accompanied by redness, a bad odor, or pus, consult your pediatrician. He will prescribe you an appropriate treatment.
Final word
The umbilical cord is the last link between the baby and his mom during pregnancy. A link that will be broken when the baby is born. The umbilical cord will be cut once the placenta has been delivered.
Now that you know how to care for your baby’s button, you can enjoy every moment you spend with your newborn baby.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your midwife, your pediatrician or a friend who has already given birth.
Reference:
Caring for your baby’s umbilical cord stump and belly button.
