How to clean the baby's navel should not be done carelessly. There are steps that parents need to know and apply when cleaning the baby's navel. If not done properly, the baby's belly button is at risk of infection.
After the baby is born, the umbilical cord that is connected to the placenta will be cut and leave a small part of the umbilical cord attached to the stomach. The rest of the umbilical cord needs to get proper care until it dries and falls off by itself from the baby's tummy.
The navel of a baby who has separated the umbilical cord still needs to be kept clean to avoid infection. So, so that you don't make a mistake in cleaning your little one's navel, it's important to know the right way.
How to Clean Baby's Navel
Here is how to clean the baby's belly button that is important for every parent to know:
1. Prepare the necessary equipment
Before cleaning your little one's navel, prepare all the equipment first, such as a soft towel and warm water. If needed, you can also prepare special baby bath soap. When you prepare the equipment, make sure your little one is not left alone and ask a partner to watch over him. If necessary, you can also invite your partner to learn how to clean your baby's navel properly.
Read Too: Steps for Care of the Newborn's Umbilical Cord
2. Wash your hands first
Wash your hands first with soap and running water before you clean your baby's navel. This step is important so that the navel is protected from infection due to germs that are still attached to the mother's hands.
3. Clean slowly
If everything is ready, gently clean your baby's navel using a cotton swab or washcloth that has been soaked in warm water. Try not to be too pressed, yes, Mom. In addition, avoid using alcohol to clean the baby's navel because it can cause irritation to the navel and the surrounding skin area and prolong the fall of the umbilical cord.
4. Dry the navel area
After cleaning, dry your little one's navel with a soft and clean towel. Mothers can do this by gently patting the area around the navel until it is completely dry. Remember, don't rub it with a towel because it can hurt your little one's navel. After drying, make sure the diaper used does not cover the umbilical cord area.
Mothers can actually clean the navel while bathing the little one. Gently clean the baby's navel with a soft towel, then rinse with clean water. In addition to keeping the umbilical cord clean and dry, it is recommended that you regularly dry your little one in the warm air. However, do not be too long in the sun to prevent skin problems.
When drying, let your little one only use diapers and loose clothes to speed up the drying process. In addition, do not forget to protect the baby's face, head, ears, and eyes to avoid the dangers of exposure to direct sunlight. Mothers should also not try to pull the baby's umbilical cord even if it's almost gone. The umbilical cord will usually fall off within 7-21 days and will leave a small wound that will heal on its own in just a few days.
Read Too: Beware of Smelly Baby Farts that Need to be Checked by a Doctor
It should also be noted that before practicing how to clean the baby's navel above, it's a good idea for Mother to first check the condition of the Little One's navel. If there are signs of infection in the navel, such as redness, smell, pus, or bleeding, immediately take him to the doctor for proper treatment.
Don't be Careless, this is the Right Way to Clean the Baby's Navel
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