While most newborns do not counter belly button infection, there are some babies who still get it. As a parent, it can be really difficult to see your newborn in pain or discomfort.
Belly button infection is a serious health concern and if not treated on time, can have a serious effect on your newborns overall health. As it is occurs in the first few days or weeks after birth, you have to be extra careful. Here are some tips you can follow that will help prevent the infection in your newborn.
4 Ways To Avoid Belly Button Infection
1. Cleaning The Belly Button Area
You may feel that the best way to prevent the infection is to let the area heal on its own, but remember that it is really important to keep the area clean. You can use a very soft cloth or an old handkerchief to clean the area. Dip it in warm diluted soap water and gently pat on the area around the belly button. Be very careful to be extremely gentle and do not rub the place. Once done, pat the area with a dry soft cloth.
2. Keep The Area Dry
In order to prevent the infection, it is important to keep the belly button and the surrounding area absolutely clean. It means that not only should you avoid applying any water on it during a bath or clean up time, you also need to avoid any sweat formation. Avoid giving your baby a bath till the umbilical cord stump dries and falls off. Instead, use only the sponging method to keep your baby clean. Even once the cord stump dries and falls off, check the area to see if there is any redness, swelling, or any pus leaking out. Only when you are sure that there is no infection, go ahead and give your baby a regular bath. Avoid rubbing any soap or cleaning vigorously for at least 2 to 3 weeks. Also, pat some baby talk on the area to make sure it remains dry.
3. Be Careful While Tying The Nappy
Whenever you are putting on your baby’s nappy, tie it below the belly button area and not over it. Also, keep checking your baby’s nappy and change it the moment your baby wets it or soils it. If your baby remains in a wet or soiled nappy, the wetness can sometimes seep up towards the belly button area and increase the risk of infection.
4. Loose Fitting Clothes
Choose loose fitting clothes for your baby, so that the clothes do not press down on the belly button stump and your baby gets better air circulation around the area. It will also let the stump dry faster.
Common Signs Of Belly Button Infection
- Redness or swelling in the area
- Odour
- Bleeding from the stump
- Pus filled lump around the stump
Remember that belly button infection is serious, so get in touch with your baby’s doctor in case you spot any of the symptoms above.
