The first care for a newborn’s belly button raises many questions among mothers. There are concerns about bleeding at the baby’s navel, risks of infections, and doubts about proper hygiene. The umbilical cord is a vital link between mother and baby while the baby is still in the womb, being responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients to the child1.
After birth, the cord is cut about two centimeters from the baby’s belly and requires some care, such as cleaning until it heals and the natural fall of the umbilical stump occurs.
Is Bleeding Normal?
Bleeding is a factor that causes concern and fear, but it is quite common, especially when the stump is close to healing.
When there is minor bleeding it is important to intensify cleaning, dress the area more often during the day, and if there is excessive bleeding or purulent discharge it is advisable to see a pediatrician.
Does Cleaning the Belly Button Hurt?
A very common fear when caring for the umbilical stump is pain that might be caused to the baby. However, to reassure mothers, the area has no nerve endings, so it can be safely cleaned without worry as it is painless.
If the baby cries during care, it is due to the cold temperature of the alcohol coming into contact with the skin. The umbilical stump is just a piece of the cord that takes about 7 to 15 days to detach from the baby’s belly.
Essential Care for Belly Button Cleaning
Proper cleaning is essential for quick healing. It is recommended that cleaning be done up to three times a day using a cotton ball or swab soaked in 70% alcohol2.
When bathing the baby, the area can be washed normally with mild soap. Regarding doubts about the child crying when cleaning the belly button, it is safe as the area does not hurt. As already mentioned, it has no nerve endings. You can clean gently without worry.
IMPORTANT: it is not recommended to cover the baby’s belly button with bands or belts. This habit can interfere with healing. Avoid leaving the diaper over the navel, always fold it down.
Harmful Habits for Umbilical Stump Healing
There are some customs and even beliefs that putting a coin on the belly button helps to speed up healing and prevent bulging of the navel. This practice is not recommended, as the area needs to be uncovered, dry, and naturally ventilated.
Umbilical bulging is caused by the formation of an umbilical hernia. When the baby strains to cry or have a bowel movement, intra-abdominal pressure increases; because this area is very fragile, a hernia can form.
Necessary Care After Healing
Even after the stump has fallen off, daily cleaning of the area should continue. It is important to emphasize that hygiene before and after healing should only be done with 70% alcohol.
Never apply other substances, such as merthiolate, antiseptic, or mercury. These products can intoxicate the area and mimic inflammation, as in the case of mercury, because it has a reddish color.
Another common situation after the stump falls is discharge or minor swelling. These symptoms are called umbilical granuloma and typically disappear over time, after following recommended care.
Inflamed Belly Button: What Are the Signs?
Discomfort in the belly button can be noticed by the mother if the area shows some symptoms, such as: purulent discharge (whitish), redness or swelling, which may indicate infection. If you notice these signs, seek guidance from a pediatrician immediately3.
Slow Healing, What Happens in These Cases?
Some babies take longer for the umbilical stump to fall off. This can happen because the stump is thicker or has a gelatinous consistency. In these cases, the stump may fall off up to 25 days after birth.
To help with healing, it is very important to keep the area very dry and ventilated, and never use bands or any object that can impede natural ventilation.
What Is Omphalitis?
Omphalitis is a kind of infection that affects the baby’s belly button days after birth. It is most common in cases of poor hygiene, inadequate disinfection, or use of harmful products.
A dirty diaper for a long time, lack of cleaning at least twice a day, and diapers or clothing that are too tight around the belly button area are the main causes. Treatment for omphalitis is done after a medical diagnosis and consists of the prescription of antibiotics.
See Also: Care for Newborns – We’re Home, Now What?
