The navel is a unique part of the body. You probably know that your baby received everything they needed in the uterus until birth through the umbilical cord—and therefore through the navel. You may have already noticed that navels look different from person to person. For some, the navel is deeply recessed into the abdominal wall; for others, it protrudes slightly. In newborns, a small piece of the umbilical cord remains attached to the navel. It is dark in color and becomes very hard after a few days. It can get in the way when swaddling or dressing your baby and may even become irritated. This article explains the essentials of newborn umbilical care.

How to properly take care of a baby's navel?

You may be wondering why a baby's umbilicus needs specific care beyond simple washing. Don’t worry: in most cases, there’s no need to be overly concerned, as the umbilical cord usually falls off on its own between two and five days after birth. Your nurse will also check the condition of the umbilicus regularly and may treat it with powder, an antiseptic solution, clear water, or another product, depending on what has worked well in the past. It’s important to touch your baby’s umbilicus as little as possible and to keep it dry. A sterile compress placed on the umbilicus can help. It allows air to circulate and helps protect your baby’s umbilicus from the clamp. Some midwives and doctors also recommend leaving the umbilicus exposed to the air as much as possible. In that case, fold the diaper down so the wound and the clamp are exposed to the air.

If you need to clean your baby’s navel yourself, it’s best to use a cotton swab dipped in warm, boiled water. Always wash your hands before caring for the umbilical area, and do not use any products or powders. Don’t worry: you won’t hurt your baby by caring for the umbilical area. There are no nerves at the end of the umbilical cord, so this care should not be painful.

What to do in case of umbilical inflammation or hernia?

In very rare cases, a baby’s navel can become inflamed. You may notice redness around it or a discharge that sometimes has an odor. The navel may also swell, or your child may develop a fever without other obvious signs of infection. In these cases, you should see a pediatrician to check for an umbilical hernia. Do not attempt any treatment yourself, and avoid touching the navel. Your midwife will monitor the healing process.

What happens when the rest of the umbilical cord falls off?

One morning, the time has come: the umbilical cord has finally fallen off. You’ll likely feel relieved, and your midwife will be glad it resolved on its own. Sometimes, the navel continues to ooze for a few more days. After the bath, you can gently dab the navel with a clean cloth.