After birth and cutting the umbilical cord, it is necessary to take care of the hygiene of the newborn’s navel and be aware of possible infections.
The area should be treated and disinfected carefully until the umbilical cord stump falls off naturally.
But how do you know if Is your baby’s belly button okay?
In this article we talk about possible complications that can occur, such as an umbilical hernia, and how to avoid them with a adequate hygiene of the baby’s navel.
Importance of umbilical cord care in newborns
The umbilical cord should be cut, leaving about 4 centimeters in the abdomen. This will be done by the professional who will accompany the birth. However, it is the parents who are responsible for the subsequent care of the newborn’s navel.
This excess wire should come off on its own afterwards 8 to 10 days, if the baby was born naturallyor between 12 and 15 days, if the birth occurred by caesarean section.
However, until this stump comes off and complete healing occurs, it is essential that this happens keep the area dry and clean to avoid infection in the newborn’s navel.
This is the best way to keep bacteria at bay.
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How should I clean my baby’s belly button?
Cutting a newborn’s umbilical cord creates a wound: you need to clean and disinfect it once a day.
Find out exactly how to do it:
- thekeep your hands tightbefore starting to treat the newborn’s navel. Maintaining good hygiene is the greatest safety against possible infections;
- Use sterile gauze and a little water or saline to clean the area. To do this, moisten the gauze and wrap it gently around the wound. If you choose to use soap, make sure you use a neutral formula, without additives;
- When the surface of the stump is clean, lift the umbilical cord clamp slightly clean the area underneath. Don’t worry: it won’t hurt your baby, because it’s dead skin;
- Finally, cover the area, but not before letting it air dry. Don’t forget it humidity favors the growth of bacteriamaking an infection in the newborn’s belly button more likely;
- Once the dressing is finished you can take another one clean the gauze and wrap it around the protruding edge to cover the umbilical cord. Keep in mind that your baby’s diaper should always be under the clamp, so that the skin in that area can breathe.
If you wish, you can also clean the newborn’s navel with a solution of 70º alcohol and chlorhexidine. The latter product acts as a disinfectant, to avoid possible complications.
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Signs of infection in the newborn’s belly button
Infection in the navel of the newborn, or omphalitisit is caused by bacteria present in the area. It is important to know the signs of a possible wound infection to control it.
Pay attention to see if the following signs appear:
- pus dripping from navel;
- redness love;
- bubbles around the wound;
- odor prudish.
Light bleeding when the umbilical cord falls off is considered normal and it is not a symptom of omphalitis.
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What is an umbilical hernia and how do I know if my baby has one?
Hernias are common in the navel of newborns, especially in premature babies. It is a small white lump in the umbilical area. It poses no risk to your baby and disappears naturally, usually after 2-3 years.
But what is its cause? Umbilical hernias are caused by small defects in the walls of the abdominal muscles.
It is advisable for your pediatrician to evaluate your umbilical hernia, but it is not common for surgery to be necessary.
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