How Do You Clean A Baby Belly Button
Its important to keep a newborn babys umbilical stump dry, as well as clean. But instead of washing it regularly, do what you can to keep it from getting dirty. And because the stump falls off once its dry, keep the stump from getting and staying wet. If the stump does end up getting wet, gently pat it dry using a clean baby washcloth. A cotton swab is also an option, but make sure that you dont rub or poke the stump too aggressively, so it doesnt fall off before its time. As we mentioned above, sponge baths are the way to go while the stump is still around.
Once the stump detaches from your newborn babys little body, keeping their belly button clean is relatively straightforward. You can start giving them regular baths, during which you just need to use the edge of a washcloth to gently clean inside the belly button. Just dont scrub too hard or use soap. And theres no need to clean a babys belly button any more frequently than they bathe. Thats basically it! Well, you know, besides breathing a big sigh of relief once the stump finally falls off.
Can Your Belly Button Absorb Liquid
Pouring water into a belly button will not cause the stomach to fill with water. Although belly buttons cannot absorb liquids, they can take in the scents of oils. Some people rub essential oils in and on their belly button to help relieve menstrual cramps, bloating, and other digestive issues. There isnt any proven science behind this, but if youre thinking about giving it a shot, just check in with your doctor beforehand.
What Does The Umbilical Cord Look Like
The umbilical cord is a flexible, tube-like structure that has a spongy appearance. A jelly-like substance surrounds the cord. After childbirth, your provider will clamp the cord and then cut it, leaving a stump behind. Between one to three weeks, the stump dries up and falls off. As the stump dries, it shrinks and changes in color from yellowish-green to brown to black before falling off.
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What Would Happen If The Piercing In My Belly Button Becomes Infected
If the belly button piercing is infected, you should speak with a professional about the best ways to treat the infection. You dont need to remove the jewelry if you suspect any type of infection because you can treat the infection without removing it.
You may experience any or all of the signs mentioned above if your belly button piercing develops an infection. Washing the piercing accurately can aid in healing the infection, but if it is not possible to cure the infection at home, a doctors prescription for an antibacterial ointment or gel could be required.
A prescription ointment or lotion called Bactroban is frequently used to treat piercings that get infected by bacteria. Mupirocin, a component of the topical antibiotic therapy for contagious infections known as Bactroban, stops germs from developing on the skin.
Bactroban cannot be purchased over-the-counter and needs to be obtained through a doctors prescription.
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What Is An Umbilical Granuloma
An umbilical granuloma is a small nodule of firm pinkish-red tissue with persistent yellow-green drainage. This is different from an infection because it is not accompanied by swelling, redness, warmth, tenderness, or a fever. This is most often treated by cauterization which is performed by applying silver nitrate to the area to burn the tissue. There are no nerve endings in the area, so it is not painful.
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What To Do In Case Your Babys Belly Button Sticks Out
There are some cases in which the babys belly button may come out a little more protruding or sticking out than considered normal. Which can cause some discomfort among some parents and family members. This is because, according to popular traditions and beliefs, when this happens, it is necessary to place a band, cloth or even coin in the place for some time, in order to push it inside.
However, according to specialists, these methods are not recommended at all , in addition to being equally dangerous, allowing both contamination and aggravation of situations unknown by lay people, such as hernia, for example.
So, if you notice the babys navel sticking out or more popping out during the first months, inform the pediatrician so that the possible causes and risks can be evaluated . And if nothing serious, this feature should be monitored, as there are situations where the navel returns to normal as it grows.
However, if a hernia or other anomaly is identified, an appropriate treatment will be recommended in order to avoid harm to the baby. And usually after the first year in some cases surgery for correction may be recommended, which is also currently seen as a simple and quick procedure.
How Do You Clean A Belly Button After The Stump Falls Off
You may hear that you should apply alcohol to the area or do other things to help the belly button heal. However, according to studies, there is no reason to do anything other than clean around the belly button with water during bath time and give it plenty of air.
As long as babys belly button is gently wiped with a clean wet cloth, it will heal just fine on its own and doesnt require soaps, alcohol or any other products.
If your doctor suggests using silver nitrate, it best to do your own research and ask what other options are available first, as this can lead to chemical burns if not applied correctly.
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What Are The Risks Or Complications At The Umbilical Cord Site
Infections at the site of the stump can occur. The following symptoms are a sign of infection:
- The stump leaks a clear to yellow fluid that smells bad.
- The skin around your childs umbilical cord changes color or swells.
- Your child has a fever of 100.4°F or higher.
- Your child is overly sleepy or lethargic .
- Your child isnt feeding well.
- Your child has a weak muscle tone .
Infections can spread quickly. Contact your provider if you notice any symptoms of an infection in your newborn.
Umbilical granuloma
When your babys umbilical stump falls off, sometimes theres a small amount of tissue that remains on their skin. This appears as a bump of scar tissue that is pink to red, located on the belly button. The granuloma can leak a yellow or clear fluid that usually goes away after a week. If the granuloma stays for longer than a week, see your babys pediatrician.
Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia is a small bump or bulge under your childs belly button, giving it an outie appearance. This happens when part of your babys intestines get stuck in the opening of the abdominal wall. Umbilical hernias are painless and become more noticeable when your baby cries. A hernia will normally heal on its own within 18 months. If the hernia doesnt heal on its own by the time your child turns five years old, your provider may need to surgically repair that part of your childs abdominal wall.
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What Happens When The Stump Comes Off
Its normal to see a few drops of blood in your babys diaper. But if theres a lot of blood as the cord separates, call your doctor right away.
If the cord hasnt come off after 3 weeks, be patient. Keep the area dry and make sure its not covered by your childs diaper. If it hasnt come off in 6 weeks, or you see signs of fever or infection, call your doctor.
Once the cord is gone, continue to keep the area clean and dry. You might notice a yellow, sticky fluid that oozes out. This is normal. It sometimes happens when the cord comes off. Its not pus, and its not an infection.
You might also see a scab over the navel. This is normal, too. But if your babys stomach gets red, they run a fever, or you notice a cloudy discharge, call your doctor.
Sometimes, a little scar tissue may form a red mass on the belly button. This bump is called an umbilical granuloma. If you see this and it doesnt go away in about a week, let your doctor know. Theyll apply silver nitrate to it. Itll burn the area so the tissue dries up. But remember, the cord has no nerves, so your baby wont feel it.
At some point, youll probably wonder what kind of belly button your child will have. Will it be an innie or an outie? Youll have to wait until the stump is gone to know for sure. But know that the way your babys navel will look has nothing to do with how the doctor cut the umbilical cord.
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Caring For Your Babys Umbilical Cord
Knowing how to properly care for your childs soon-to-be belly button is important so that its kept clean and doesnt become infected. The key to avoiding infection is proper care.
Keep your babys healing umbilical cord clean and dry by dipping a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and applying it to the base of the cord two to three times a day. You can lift the cord to make sure youre thoroughly cleaning the base properly. You want to let it dry completely after cleaning it, so keep diapers folded below the cord, which will also prevent any uncomfortable rubbing. The drier the cord is, the sooner it will fall off.
Until the umbilical cord falls off, only give your child a sponge bath. As it begins to fall off, there may be slight bleeding. This is completely normal, but you will want to call your doctor if the area around the cord is showing any signs of infection. These signs include:
- Redness around the cord
- Tenderness or swelling
When you clean the cord, your child will likely cry but not because of pain. The rubbing alcohol will feel cold to them and cause them to complain with cries, so theres no need to worry about this as a sign of infection.
How To Care For Your Newborn’s Umbilical Cord Stump
Narrator: When the umbilical cord is cut at birth, what’s left behind is an umbilical stump.
You’ll need to take care of your newborn’s stump while it heals. After about 1 to 3 weeks, the stump will dry up and drop off.
Midwife Miriam Maldonado teaches new parents how to take care of their baby’s umbilical stump.
Mainly you’ll need to keep it clean and dry.
Before your baby’s cord was cut, the doctor or midwife placed a clamp on it.
One type of clamp looks like this. It’ll be removed before your baby leaves the hospital, leaving the stump looking like this.
Another type of clamp looks like this. It’s a rubber band that stays attached until the stump falls off.
To take care of the umbilical stump, the most important thing is to keep it clean and dry.
Other than that, leave it alone and let it fall off on its own.
Keep the diaper from touching the stump, so it doesn’t get wet, dirty, or irritated.
You can fold the upper edge of the diaper down or use diapers that have a cutout.
Dress your baby in loose clothing to help air circulate so the stump can dry out. If it’s warm, you can use just a diaper and a T-shirt, if you like.
Give your baby sponge baths instead of tub baths until the stump has fallen off, to keep it dry.
If the stump area becomes dirty or sticky, wet a cotton swab or a washcloth in plain lukewarm water, dab the area surrounding the stump, and let it air dry.
The umbilical stump should fall off when it’s totally dry.
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How Do You Care For A Newborns Belly Button
Taking care of your babys healing belly button is actually pretty easy. You just need to keep it dry!
In the past, healthcare providers and caregivers used to clean the stump with dyes or isopropyl alcohol to prevent infection. But research showed that this wasnt necessary in the U.S. because infection risk was so low due to public sanitation.
Now all you really need to do is keep it clean and dry, and then let it fall off naturally. Here are some tips to help with cord care:
Caring For The Umbilical Cord
Wash the cord stump as part of your babys usual bathing routine.
Make sure you wash your hands first. Use only water and cotton pads, and dry it carefully. If wee or poo gets on the stump, you can use a mild soap to help clean it off. You dont need to use antiseptics and alcohol.
Let the cord sit out of the nappy so it dries out in the air this can be done by folding the nappy under the cord stump. There is no need to cover the cord stump with Band-Aids or bandages, as this stops airflow around the stump.
If youre not washing the cord stump, try not to handle it.
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What You Need To Know:
· Most umbilical cord stumps look worse than they are. Right after birth, an umbilical cord stump usually looks white and shiny and may feel slightly damp. As the stump dries and heals, it may look brown, grey, or even black. This is normal. Usually, no problems will occur as long as you keep the area clean and dry.
· The umbilical cord stump usually falls off in 1 or 2 weeks. Sometimes the stump falls off before the first week. Other times, the stump may stay longer.
· You may notice a red, raw-looking spot right after the stump falls off. A small amount of fluid, sometimes tinged with blood, may ooze out of the navel area. It is usual for this to last up to 2 weeks after the stump falls off. If it doesnt heal or dry entirely within two weeks, call your doctor or nurses call line.
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What Does The Umbilical Cord Do
The umbilical cord is the physical connection between you and your baby. Nutrients from the food and supplements are transferred to your baby through the placenta and the umbilical cord. This life giving connection is also why you want to reduce physical and emotional stress during your pregnancy and birth.
Stress reduces blood flow to your uterus which reduces the nutrients available to be transferred to your baby via the umbilical cord. Also, an increased cortisol level in your blood stream can be transferred to your baby through the umbilical cord.
After delivery, when your baby is able to take their first breath on their own, the umbilical cord is severed and left as a stump, about an inch long, by your birth attendant.
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Tip #: Make Sure The Belly Button Area Is Always Dry And Clean
Once youre done checking for signs of umbilical cord infection and everything is clear, its best to remember to keep the belly button and the area surrounding it clean and dry. After the stump falls off, newborn belly button infection is less common. Still, dirt can easily accumulate in this particular area of the body if left unchecked. Be sure to pay attention to the area surrounding your babys belly button. If you notice dirt in your baby’s belly button area, clean it off right away and then promptly dry the area.
How Long Does The Cord Stump Remain In Place
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most babies will lose their cord stumps in 10 to 14 days.
However, it is not unusual for a babys umbilical cord to fall off as early as 1 week after birth or as late as 3 weeks after birth.
It is typical for a babys umbilical cord to fall off before or after this time frame as well.
Most of the time, newborn belly button bleeding is normal. However, if the bleeding is hard to stop or if there is more than just a few drops of blood, take the baby to see a pediatrician.
Also, a doctor needs to examine a newborns belly button if there are any signs of infection, including:
- pus or cloudy, foul-smelling drainage from the belly button area
- red, warm skin surrounding the umbilical cord stump area
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Belly Button Care After Umbilical Cord Stump Falls Off
However, there are important things to be aware of about your newborns belly button after the stump falls off. Your babys belly button will require a bit of attention to avoid unnecessary infection and irritation. Newborn belly button healing and cleaning can be a delicate task and we at ParentsNeed HQ, are here to give you a few tips to help you through this process and how to clean the belly button after the umbilical cord stump falls off.
After delivery, your babys umbilical cord is tied off, clamped and then cut . This results in the umbilical cord stump. Usually, it is directly treated with antiseptic to minimize the chances of infection. The umbilical cord clamp can be safely removed 24 hours after delivery. It is highly advisable that the clamp is removed at the hospital before you take your baby home for the first time to ensure that it is done the right way.
Once you get your baby home, it is best to leave your newborns umbilical stump alone to allow it to heal faster. Make sure that the babys diaper is not in contact with the area of the stump. Otherwise, the diaper can pull on the stump and possibly irritate and injure the cord stump and surrounding skin.
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