Nowadays, many parents choose to let their newborn babies try swimming, often using a gentle touch teaching method. This not only helps to stimulate the baby’s interest in exploring the outside world but also enhances the emotional bond between mother and child. However, considering that the newborn’s umbilical cord has just fallen off and the navel may not be fully healed, improper care during swimming could lead to inflammation, resulting in counterproductive effects. Therefore, mastering the correct navel care methods is crucial for parents who want their newborns to safely enjoy the fun of swimming.
Keeping the navel dry is the primary principle. Before the baby’s umbilical cord naturally falls off, it is essential to keep the area dry and be careful to avoid getting it wet during baths. If it accidentally gets wet, gently dry it with a clean cotton swab before proceeding with care.
Secondly, preventing friction is also extremely important. Choose the appropriate diaper size to avoid the edges pressing tightly against the base of the umbilical cord, as friction from the baby’s movements could lead to skin breakdown, redness, or even bleeding in that area.
Furthermore, avoiding moisture and heat at the navel is equally vital. Never apply cream, lotion, or oily substances to the base of the umbilical cord to prevent affecting its dryness, which could trigger infection.
In daily care, there are also some details that cannot be ignored:
Always wash your hands before and after umbilical cord care to prevent bacterial infection.
During bathing, until the umbilical cord falls off, ensure that it does not come into contact with moisture. If swimming with the newborn, using waterproof patches is a necessary protective measure.
Ensure the umbilical cord and surrounding skin are clean and dry, especially avoiding diaper coverage over the navel to prevent contamination by urine or feces.
Avoid using purple medicine on the umbilical cord. Although traditionally some use purple medicine to promote umbilical cord dryness, modern medicine does not recommend this practice as its effect is only surface-level, while alcohol can more thoroughly promote drying from the inside out.
By following the above guidelines, parents can more confidently guide their babies to enjoy the fun of swimming while ensuring that their delicate umbilical cords are properly cared for.
