How to Clean Your Baby's Smelly Navel?
The umbilical cord is a life-saving link between a mother and baby during pregnancy, providing oxygen and nutrients. After the baby is fully born, the cord gets cut, leaving behind a little stump, which will eventually dry and fall off within days, generally between 7 and 14 days. In this period, it’s quite common for the umbilical stump to emit a slight smell. According to a top pediatrician in Delhi, if a baby’s navel smells bad after the cord has fallen, this could signify a potential problem.
Why Does a Newborn’s Navel Smell?
Cursing a newborn just after birth might be due to carrying the odors from the amniotic fluid and the secretions of the birth canal. They usually wash off when bathing, but are excluded near the umbilical area. The remaining stump can create a mild smell while drying; this is usually harmless. However, after the cord falls off, a constant, unpleasant smell may lead to an infection.
Symptoms of infection involve discoloration, swelling, pus (yellowish or green in color), warmth around the navel, fussiness, poor feeding, and sometimes fever.
Rarely, an umbilical hernia may also contribute to infection and smell. Always keep an eye on your baby while they act out of character; excessive sleeping, becoming a picky eater, or discomfort when touched close to their navels are sure signs that one has to rush to the doctor immediately.
How To Clean a Newborn's Umbilical Cord?
Wash your hands before and after touching the baby's navel.
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Pat dry with a clean towel
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Fold down the diaper to expose the stump for air circulation
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Never pull the stump off; it will fall off when ready
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If the stump is soiled, wash it with water (use soap only if necessary) and dry thoroughly
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Wash the area around the base of the cord with plain water during bathing; avoid using alcohol, creams, or antiseptics.
What To Do After the Cord Falls Off?
A small amount of discharge, a dark spot, or slight redness may be visible once the stump falls off; this is very common, so it's best to keep the area dry and clean. If necessary, use a warm, damp cotton ball to gently wipe away the discharge, and use a new cotton ball for each cleaning.
When to Consult a Doctor?
Consult a doctor if your baby:
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Has fever
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Has cloudy or constant discharge
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Shows redness or swelling around the navel
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Becomes overly fussy or lethargic and refuses to take feeds.
A navel that smells a little in newborns is generally normal, but prevention is the key. The best preventive care is keeping the area clean and dry. Always watch for warning signs and consult a doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Seeking more newborn care tips or assistance from a Top Pediatric Doctor in Delhi, such as Dr. Promilla Butani, can also be helpful. She has assisted parents in providing advice on how to care for their baby's health and even offered treatments to ensure their baby's navel area and overall well-being. Consult her for details.
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