How to Care for a Newborn's Belly Button

You have the overwhelmed feeling of a newborn. Not only do they cry a lot, but you have to care for so many little things. The umbilical cord is still partly attached and will come off in time, but you need to care for it properly.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton balls
• Alcohol

Instructions

1. At every diaper changing you need to treat the belly button. The left over umbilical cord needs to come off, but it needs constant care.

2. After ou have change the diaper, put a new diaper on. Before you secure the diaper, rill the front part down so it does not touch the umbilical cord. If the diaper rubs it could cause irritation to your baby.

3. Now take a cotton ball and saturate it with alcohol. Gently rub the belly button with the alcohol. This will help dry out the left over umbilical cord. Never pull the loose skin. This will cause bleeding and can cause infection in your newborn's belly button.

4. After 2-4 weeks the cord will be completely dry out and fall off. You have succeeded in helping your baby. If the belly button continues to bleed - call your doctor.

Tips & Warnings

• Do this every diaper change,

• Roll the diaper down or use the new newborn diapers that have a cutout near the belly button.

• Never pull the umbilical cord.