How to care for a newborn’s navel?

Right after birth, the umbilical cord is cut and the resulting stump is protected against infection by a doctor or midwife.

The trail is initially white-blue and moist. About the first XNUMX hours, the stump dries out and changes color (first yellow-brown, then black-brown). If, two weeks after birth, the umbilical cord stump in the newborn has not fallen off, see a doctor with the baby. Pus or blood is also a cause for concern. Then you should also consult a specialist.

In the first days of life, the navel becomes a critical place on the newborn’s body. It is through the stump that bacteria can enter his body. The wound should not be covered with a plaster or washed with alcohol. It should be kept clean and dry.

After cutting the umbilical cord, keep the wound clean. It is not that difficult, especially if you remember the four basic steps. We will tell you how to care for your newborn’s navel.

Care of the navel of a newborn in the first days of life

1. The newborn’s navel should be washed once a day. Use Octenisept for this. It is the only medicine that has been approved for use in infants, including premature babies and toddlers. What’s more, Octenisept does not cause pain, has a neutral pH, keeps the skin moist, disinfects and cleans the wound. It has bactericidal, fungal and virucidal properties. All this means that the healing of the newborn’s navel will be quick and the toddler will not suffer.
2. Wait a minute after rubbing the wound and the skin around the navel.
3. Dry the wound with a sterile gauze pad.
4. Cover the wound with a sterile, thin gauze pad or put on a special diaper with a “window” on the navel. The idea is to ensure the best possible access of air to the healing wound. Under no circumstances should you cover the wound with an airtight dressing or cover it with a plaster.

Navel in a newborn – what to wash, what to avoid?

In no case use alcoholic preparations. Alcohol applied to the delicate skin of a newborn baby can irritate the skin and sometimes even burn locally, causing pain in the baby. In addition, alcohol can (through the delicate skin of a child) be absorbed into the body, which is not recommended. Alcohol also dries out the skin. This, in turn, will delay wound regeneration and healing.

In no case do not cover the wound with an airtight dressing or cover the wound with a plaster, as this will extend the healing process and may harm the newborn. If, two weeks after birth, the stump has not fallen off, take the baby to the doctor.