The belly button is a curious little thing. You probably know that, in the womb, your baby was supplied via the umbilical cord and the navel with everything it needed until birth. You may have already noticed that belly buttons look different from person to person. For some, it sinks deep into the abdominal wall; for others, it protrudes a bit. After birth, a small piece of the umbilical cord remains attached to your baby's navel. It is dark in color and becomes very hard after a few days. It can be bothersome when changing diapers, get in the way, and, to make matters worse, become inflamed. We will show you what you should know about baby navel care.

How to properly care for your navel

You may be wondering why a baby's umbilical cord needs care beyond regular washing. Don't worry: in most cases, you don't have to do much, because the stump usually falls off on its own between the second and fifth day of your baby's life. Your postpartum midwife will also check the umbilical cord regularly and treat it with powder, an antiseptic solution, clear water, or another tincture she has had good experiences with. Please keep your fingers away from the umbilical cord and touch it as little as possible. It is especially important to keep the umbilical cord dry. A sterile umbilical compress can help with this. It is breathable and maintains a gap between the clamp and the umbilical cord. Some midwives and doctors also recommend leaving the umbilical cord exposed to fresh air as much as possible. In the so-called "open variant," you fold down the diaper to air out the wound and the clamp. By the way: our in sizes 1 and 2 are designed with a cut-out at the waistband for sensitive baby belly buttons, so you can skip folding down.

If you need to clean your child's umbilical cord yourself, it's best to use a cotton swab moistened with boiled, lukewarm water. Always wash your hands before caring for the umbilical cord, and do not use tinctures or powders. You don't have to worry that caring for the umbilical cord might hurt your baby. There are no nerves in the umbilical cord stump that could transmit sensations.

What to do in case of an umbilical infection and an umbilical hernia?

In very rare cases, the umbilicus can become inflamed. You may notice redness around it or a discharge that sometimes has an unpleasant smell. The umbilicus may also bulge, or your child may have a fever even though you can't detect any other signs of infection. In these cases, you should see a pediatrician, who will examine whether an umbilical hernia is present. Under no circumstances should you attempt any self-care measures or touch the umbilicus. Your midwife will monitor the healing process.

What happens when the rest of the umbilical cord has fallen off?

One morning, the time has come: the umbilical cord stump has finally fallen off. You're probably relieved, and your midwife will be glad that this issue has resolved itself completely. Sometimes, the navel may still secrete wound fluid for a few days. After bathing, you can gently pat the navel dry with a clean cloth.