Bringing a new baby home from the hospital is wonderful experience for any family.  The baby is a picture of perfection with its tiny hands and feet.  New parents will find themselves staring in wonder at the infant.  One thing that doesn’t look so perfect on the infant is the umbilical cord.  When the cord is cut and tied after the baby is delivered the hospital will apply medication which will start the process of the cord drying out and falling off.  During the first week or two of the baby’s life the parents will need to provide infant belly button care.  It is important for the parent to understand infant belly button care so that the appropriate care can be taken. 

Cleaning The Umbilical Area

The most important aspect of infant belly button care is to keep the area clean and dry.  The parents can use rubbing alcohol on a swab to clean around the drying umbilical cord area.  The alcohol also will work to dry the cord out.  As the cord dries it will separate from the baby’s skin and will eventually fall off leaving a cute little belly button.  During this time the infant should not be submerged in bath water.  It is important to keep the area dry.  The parents should also be sure to keep the diaper and clothing from rubbing on the area. 

As the parents provide infant belly button care they will notice that the cord is starting to separate.  There will be a temptation on the parent’s part to pull at the drying cord or to clip it off.  It is very important that the parents not do this and that they let the umbilical cord fall off on its own.  Even if there is just a small strand left the cord needs to be left alone to fall off.

Signs Of Infection

While the infant belly button care is being performed the caregivers should be aware of signs of infection in the area.  If the area becomes red and inflamed, starts draining pus, blood or fluid, or becomes foul smelling it needs to be looked at by the physician.  If the infant starts to run a fever they should be seen by the doctor to see if the umbilical area is infected or what other infection may be present.  If the caregiver is unsure of the signs of infection it is always best to check with a health care provider and get instruction on what to look for.