Five steps to take care of your baby's navel

During pregnancy, the umbilical cord supplies your baby with nutrients and oxygen for his growth, then after birth, the umbilical cord is not needed, so it is tied and cut, and this leaves a small stump (umbilical).
Your child's umbilical cord stump will change color from bluish white to black with dryness and eventual fall; usually this happens after three weeks have passed, and in the meantime, deal with this area gently, and follow these tips to promote healing quickly:

1- Keep clean
In the past, parents were advised to wipe the navel and rub it with alcohol after each change of diaper, but now researchers mention that the navel may heal faster if it is left as it is.
If it becomes dirty or sticky, clean it with clear water; then dry it around by holding a clean, absorbent cloth of water or fan it with a piece of paper.

2- Keep the area dry
Expose the navel to the air to quickly dry its root, and keep the front of your baby diaper folded down to avoid covering it. In warm weather, have your child wear a diaper and a shirt only to improve the air circulation.

3- Repeat cleaning and wiping with the sponge
Cleaning with a sponge may be better during the healing process, and after the rest of the umbilical cord has fallen, you can bath your child in a baby tub or a regular tub.

4- Let it fall on its own
Resist the temptation to pull the rest of the umbilical cord yourself.

5- Note the signs of infection
During the healing process, it is usual to see a little blood around the navel, and when the cord falls, a little bleeding may occur.
But contact your child's doctor if the navel area exudates pus, or the surrounding skin becomes red and swollen, and if your child has an umbilical cord infection, prompt treatment is required to stop the infection from spreading.