Newborn cord care is crucial due to its special and delicate nature. In daily life, secretions, sweat, and water accumulation while bathing can easily build up in the folds of the cord, leading to dirt. Especially during summer, the baby’s belly button becomes a place prone to harboring dirt. Traditional beliefs advise against touching the belly button casually to avoid discomfort. So, how can we properly clean the baby’s navel?
First, it is important to avoid directly cleaning the cord area with your hands. This area is adjacent to the umbilical point and close to the intestines within the abdominal cavity; rough handling could irritate the gastrointestinal system, potentially causing abdominal pain or diarrhea. Moreover, the skin around the navel is fragile, and improper handling could lead to bleeding or even omphalitis.
The correct cleaning method is to use a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of baby-specific moisturizing lotion to gently apply to the belly button, softening and removing dirt. If there are stubborn stains, you can increase the application frequency of the lotion accordingly. The entire cleaning process should be gentle to prevent injury, and warm water should be used to avoid cooling the baby.
There are three basic principles that are crucial for cord care:
1. Keep it dry: Ensure the area where the cord is attached remains dry before it falls off. If it becomes moist after bathing, gently dry it with a clean cotton swab. 2. Prevent friction: Protect the cord from friction damage by choosing appropriate diapers, ensuring that their edges do not press tightly against the base of the cord, thus reducing the friction risk during movement. 3. Ensure breathability: Never use creams, lotions, or other oily products at the base of the cord to avoid obstructing drying, which could lead to infection.
Carefully following the principles above can effectively maintain the health of the baby’s navel, making caregiving easier.
