Video of How to Bathe a Newborn with a Clothes Clip on the Belly Button

Caring for your newborn's belly button | Pampers

A newborn's belly button is a popular subject for new parents to ask. How to keep the remaining umbilical cord dry until it falls off? What are the signs of an umbilical cord infection and when should you call the doctor? You will find answers to these questions in this article.

What is an umbilical cord remnant and when does it fall off?

While the baby was in the womb, he received nutrients and oxygen through the umbilical cord. When the baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. It is not painful because there are no nerve endings in the umbilical cord.

The clip (or "clothespin") usually remains for one to two days. It can be removed as soon as the remaining umbilical cord dries and stops bleeding.

After the clamp is removed, there will be a remnant of the umbilical cord on the baby's belly, which will gradually dry out, harden and turn from yellow to brown-black.

The remaining umbilical cord usually falls off on its own within a few weeks of the baby's birth. If this does not happen within three weeks of birth, contact your pediatrician.

In some cases, there is a reason why the umbilical cord remnant does not fall off, such as an infection or an immune system disorder. A doctor can determine the exact cause.

When the residue falls off, a wound forms. It may become slightly wet due to the fluids released. Keep your newborn's belly button dry and clean and it will heal completely in no time. If the umbilical cord has not healed within two weeks after the remainder of the belly button falls off, contact your pediatrician.

How to care for the remaining umbilical cord and umbilical wound

Here are some tips worth heeding:

Keep the remaining umbilical cord dry and clean. Now experts recommend the “dry method” - the remainder of the umbilical cord is in contact with air, it should not be wetted or ointments should be used. You may have heard of a treatment option where the remainder of the umbilical cord is wiped with alcohol, but with the modern approach, the best way is to wait until the remainder falls off naturally. If you have questions, consult your pediatrician.
Avoid irritation. Try to make sure that the diaper does not come into contact with the remaining umbilical cord. You can fold the diaper waistband or use a disposable diaper with a navel cutout, such as Pampers Premium Care.
Watch for signs of infection. Transparent discharge, drops of blood and crusts during the healing process of the navel are not a cause for concern. But if you notice any signs of inflammation or your child has a fever, contact your doctor.
Don't try to tear off the rest. The umbilical remnant should fall off on its own. Don't try to tear it off, be patient.
Watch for signs of bleeding. When the umbilical stump falls off, you may notice a few drops of blood, and this is completely normal. If there is more blood, contact your pediatrician.
Do not place a coin on your belly button or cover it with a band-aid. You may come across the opposite advice for preventing an umbilical hernia, but you don’t need to follow it - it can harm the child. If you are concerned about the shape of your belly button or suspect that your baby has an umbilical hernia, consult your pediatrician.

Bathing the baby during the healing period of the navel

Until the rest of the umbilical cord falls off and the wound heals, it is better not to bathe the baby, but to wipe him with a damp sponge or cloth two to three times a week. At the same time, you can cleanse the navel area.

To wash your baby this way, you will need:

bowl of warm water
cloth napkin or small towel
baby soap
cotton ball moistened with water
towel
clean diaper
change of clothes

Place your baby on a soft, flat surface: a mattress on a changing table or a towel spread on the floor. All items on the list should be at your fingertips.

Never leave your baby unattended during water procedures if he is on a high surface - for example, on a changing table.

Fasten it with a seat belt and additionally hold it with one hand.

Wrap your baby in a towel, exposing only those parts of the body that you are wiping. This will keep him warm and comfortable. Wipe your face first, without using soap to avoid getting it in your eyes. Then add soap to a bowl of water and begin to wipe the rest of the body, paying attention to the folds on the neck, behind the ears, and in the genital area.

When treating your newborn's belly button, follow the tips listed above. The area around the navel can be wiped with a cotton ball soaked in water, but do not wet the remainder of the umbilical cord itself.

As soon as the remainder of the umbilical cord falls off, you can bathe the baby in the children's bathtub or sink.

Changing diapers while the navel is healing

In our separate article you will learn how to change your baby's diaper. In the first weeks, be especially careful not to touch or wet the remaining umbilical cord when changing your baby's diaper.

If the remaining umbilical cord has not yet fallen off, fold the diaper over your baby's tummy or use diapers with a belly button cutout to prevent friction and urine from getting into the belly button area.

Signs of infection

If hygiene is observed, infection of the umbilical wound is unlikely. But you should consult a doctor immediately when you notice one of these signs:

yellow discharge with an unpleasant odor from the navel area
redness of the skin in the navel area
edema
the baby cries when you touch the navel area, thereby communicating that he is in pain

Possible problems

When it comes to the belly button and umbilical cord, there are two conditions that occur in babies. Contact your pediatrician if you notice any of these signs in your child:

Fungus of the navel (granuloma).
After the remaining umbilical cord falls off, you may notice a reddish, moist nodule that may become enlarged and leak a little fluid. In some cases it will disappear in about a week, but if not, contact your pediatrician
Umbilical hernia.
If your baby's belly button sticks out when he cries, it may be an umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia is a small hole in the abdominal wall through which tissue protrudes when there is pressure, such as when a baby cries. An umbilical hernia usually heals between 12 and 18 months of age.

FAQ

When does the umbilical cord fall off?
What are the signs of an umbilical cord infection?
What does a newborn's belly button look like after the umbilical remnant falls off?
How to make the umbilical remnant fall off faster?
How quickly does an umbilical wound heal after the umbilical cord falls off?

A few weeks after the baby is born, the umbilical cord will fall off and you will be able to admire your baby’s belly button. Another reminder of how quickly babies grow and develop. When caring for a baby during the first weeks of his life, parents need to keep a lot in mind, and for some this is a first and unfamiliar experience. Therefore, it is convenient to have a supply of all the essentials on hand - primarily wet wipes and diapers. And you can buy them at a discount.

Is it possible to wet a newborn's navel when bathing?

Some parents believe that by covering their newborn's navel with a bandage during bathing, they will protect him from infection. Still, this is a mistake. Boiling water and adding a weak solution of potassium permanganate to the water will help you avoid infection .

Dr. Komarovsky generally advises limiting yourself to wiping the baby, so as not to wet the umbilical wound and not slow down the drying process.

The widespread practice, on the contrary, is that they prefer to treat the wound after bathing, since during bathing the crusts get wet and come off well, and potassium permanganate disinfects and dries the wound.

What to do if a newborn’s belly button bleeds after bathing

If after bathing the umbilical wound bleeds a little , it’s not scary. Treat it as stated above, taking all precautions while bathing, and in due time the wound will heal. If bleeding continues for more than three weeks, you should consult a doctor: the baby may have a weak immune system or poor blood clotting.

It's time to start sounding the alarm if:

The appearance of purulent discharge;
The appearance of an unpleasant odor;
If the baby begins to cry when the navel is touched;
Redness and thickening in the navel area;
If the child’s overall body temperature, including the skin temperature in the navel area, has increased.

From this video you will learn what problems sometimes arise during the healing process of the umbilical wound:

Is it possible to bathe a child with a clothespin on his navel in water?

There are two diametrically opposed opinions about whether it is possible to bathe a newborn with a clothespin on the navel. Some pediatricians advise bathing the baby from the first days of life, while others do not recommend completely immersing it in water until the umbilical wound has healed. The parents decide which position to choose. The main condition is that water treatments do not harm the baby.

Important Rules

If mom and dad, following the recommendations of Dr. Komarovsky, have excluded the child from fully bathing until the umbilical wound has completely healed, then they wipe the body daily with a damp cloth or napkins.

When taking an active position in the issue of bathing a newborn, parents must adhere to the main rule: immersion in water is allowed only if the navel heals normally, without complications.

. The use of clothespins (clamps) in maternity hospitals began relatively recently; before that, the umbilical cord was tied with cloth or silk thread. A clothespin is a plastic product 3–6 cm long that secures the remaining end of the umbilical cord.

Very often the umbilical cord remnant may bleed. This is a completely natural stage of the formation of a blood crust. You can bathe a baby in this situation, but with extreme caution, without touching the clothespin.

If the navel bleeds constantly, even after it has been treated with antiseptics and two weeks have already passed since the birth of the baby, you should consult a pediatrician. The umbilical wound can become clogged for several reasons (improper treatment, blood diseases in the child, fragile blood vessels), and a doctor must understand them.

Important! Under no circumstances should you unscrew or remove the clothespin yourself, even if it has practically fallen off (or, conversely, does not fall off for a long time). Such actions can lead to severe bleeding.

Sometimes the clothespin may fall off on its own while swimming. In this case, there is no need to panic. You should, as usual, carry out the treatment and in the following days observe how the umbilical wound heals.

To avoid damaging your baby's delicate skin, most doctors do not recommend adding potassium permanganate to your newborn's bath water. If the required concentration is exceeded, the potassium permanganate solution can be harmful.

Contact with undissolved crystals of the substance leads to burns. When using herbal infusions, you also need to be vigilant and monitor skin reactions. If allergic manifestations begin, no more herbs are added.

How to bathe properly

For the first time, the baby is completely rinsed in the maternity hospital, immediately after birth. Of course, this procedure is unpleasant for the baby. In order for bathing a newborn with an umbilical clothespin to be comfortable, bringing joy to the baby and parents, you should prepare for it. For water procedures at home you will need:

Baby bath. It is not recommended to bathe a baby with an unhealed navel in a public bath due to the high risk of infection.
Rinse bucket. You cannot water your child from the shower, since the water used for bathing is boiled.
Children's water thermometer. The temperature should be comfortable and safe for the baby - from 35 to 37°C. Touching the water with your hand is not a reliable method.
Hygiene products for newborns: soap and shampoo.
A decoction of chamomile or string. These herbs promote faster healing of the umbilical wound, as they have anti-inflammatory and disinfecting effects.
Special device for bathing in the bathtub (slide, lounger). Wash it thoroughly before use.
A large towel or warm diaper in which you can completely wrap your baby.
Means for treating the navel, cotton pads, napkins, etc.

It is preferable to bathe the baby in the bathroom, with the door open, so that there is no sharp temperature difference between rooms. You can perform water procedures correctly by following the step-by-step instructions:

Thoroughly clean the bathtub, special equipment and toys if they will be used. After bathing, they are also washed well with laundry soap.
Boil enough water to fill the tray and the container that will hold the rinse water. Check the temperature with a thermometer.
If a slide (lounger) is used, then it is placed in the bath.
Wrap the baby in a clean diaper and gently lower it into the water. At the same time, you should speak kindly to the child so that he does not feel nervous. You cannot make sudden movements or make loud sounds.
If a child bathes without special devices, then the back of his head must be constantly held with one hand.
You need to wash your baby, starting from the neck, then the body, arms and legs. The head should be washed last.
Rinse the child with water from the bath, then from the prepared container using a ladle, before checking the temperature again.
Wrap the newborn in a towel or a wide, thick diaper. Under no circumstances should you rub the baby’s delicate skin, just gently blot it and let it dry.
Check your navel to make sure there is no fluid in it. Excess moisture can be removed with a cotton pad and lightly touching the navel several times. Then treat it with special means.
Put on your baby a diaper and clean, ironed clothes. Make sure that the umbilical area is open and air flows freely to it.

During bathing, you need to constantly hold the baby by the neck and head so that water does not get into the face and ears. Water procedures should be pleasant for the child. If the baby experiences discomfort or fear the first time, he may later be afraid to bathe and cry when immersed in water.

Provided that the baby is absolutely healthy, you can begin hardening from the first days of life. To do this, the temperature of the water for dousing is lowered by one degree every three days until it reaches 30–28°C.

A baby can be bathed with a clothespin on the remaining umbilical cord every day. It is recommended to use shampoo and soap no more than 1-2 times a week. They should be suitable for infants and have a neutral pH.

Is it possible to get your belly button wet when bathing?

In answering the main question - is it possible to wet a newborn’s navel when bathing - pediatricians are unanimous.

They recommend avoiding getting water on the umbilical area. It is strictly forbidden to rub and soap the navel with a clothespin or cover it with a band-aid.

Closing the umbilical area will not protect against infection or limit the flow of water during bathing. Such a “precautionary measure” will only delay the moment when the clothespin should fall off.

Moisture will accumulate under the patch, which contradicts the basic principle of proper care of the umbilical wound - it should be dry. Moreover, constant sticking of the patch can irritate the baby’s delicate skin and cause infection of the umbilical cord.

When the navel has finally healed and is covered with epithelium, it can be wetted without restrictions, with the permission of the pediatrician. You can use running water for bathing. The bathing process will become more active and longer in time for the baby.

When should you not bathe your baby with a clothespin?

How long it takes for the clip with the umbilical cord to fall off depends on the individual characteristics of the baby. However, if this does not happen after 10–14 days, you should refrain from water procedures. A doctor is urgently called to see the child.

A medical examination is also necessary if the following symptoms appear:

signs of inflammation of the umbilical wound: swelling, redness, pain, discharge;
the navel is constantly covered with a sticky coating;
frequent bleeding of the umbilical cord;
unpleasant odor from the navel;
general or local increase in body temperature;
signs of intoxication (poor sleep, refusal of breast or bottle, lethargy, nausea, etc.).

These signs are characteristic of inflammation. The infectious process without proper treatment causes serious complications. Therefore, if the above symptoms are detected, bathing the baby is definitely canceled.

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Important Rules

When taking an active position in the issue of bathing a newborn, parents must adhere to the main rule: immersion in water is allowed only if the navel heals normally, without complications.

This is interesting. The use of clothespins (clamps) in maternity hospitals began relatively recently; before that, the umbilical cord was tied with cloth or silk thread. A clothespin is a plastic product 3–6 cm long that secures the remaining end of the umbilical cord.

Important! Under no circumstances should you unscrew or remove the clothespin yourself, even if it has practically fallen off (or, conversely, does not fall off for a long time). Such actions can lead to severe bleeding.

Sometimes the clothespin may fall off on its own while swimming. In this case, there is no need to panic. You should, as usual, carry out the treatment and in the following days observe how the umbilical wound heals.

Newborn's first bath with a clothespin. How to do it correctly?

After discharge from the maternity hospital, the newborn in most cases still has a remnant of the umbilical cord with a clothespin. Because mother and baby are discharged during natural childbirth on the 3rd day. The clothespin usually falls off within 5-14 days.

In some cases it can last up to 3 weeks. And some mothers doubt whether it is possible to bathe the child immediately after discharge from the hospital. And if possible, then how to carry out the first bath of a newborn with a clothespin.

After all, it is very important that the navel heals faster.

How to properly bathe a newborn for the first time using a clothespin

The first bath of a newborn can be done with a clothespin. Most doctors think so. Although there are experts who argue that it is better to wait until the clothespin falls off.

Whether to bathe a newborn before the remaining umbilical cord falls off or not - decide for yourself after consulting with a pediatrician. If you are going to bathe your baby, then follow certain rules.

Otherwise, the navel may begin to fester, which can be dangerous for the baby.

Important! Do not try to remove or unscrew the clothespin yourself, even if it is barely holding on. The baby may experience severe bleeding!

Before you give your newborn a clothespin bath for the first time, you need to prepare the following items:

Baby bath. We do not recommend bathing a newborn in a regular bathtub with a clothespin. Because this increases the likelihood of infection through the umbilical wound.
A ladle with which you will rinse the baby. We do not recommend watering a newborn from the shower (such water is rarely perfectly clean). It is better to use boiled water for bathing a newborn.
Water thermometer. The water temperature should be comfortable for a newborn - 37⁰ C. It will not be possible to take accurate measurements without a thermometer.
Swimming slide. Better anatomical, foam slide is also comfortable. Although some mothers do without a slide if there is an assistant (for example, a husband) who holds the baby while bathing.
Baby soap and shampoo. It is recommended to completely soap the baby’s body no more than 2 times a week.
A large towel in which to completely wrap a clean baby. Remember that you should not dry your newborn vigorously. You can only gently blot his thin skin.
Sterile wipes, cotton wool (cotton pads)
A decoction of chamomile or string. They have anti-inflammatory properties and promote healing of the umbilical wound. Although not every doctor recommends bathing a newborn in a decoction of herbs. It is better to avoid using potassium permanganate altogether.

Rules for bathing a newborn with a clothespin

Rinse the baby bath thoroughly. Don't forget to do this after swimming too.
Boil water and pour it into the bath to cool. Check with a thermometer and make sure it is at the right temperature (37⁰ C). Prepare another container of boiled water for rinsing if you use soap or shampoo. When the umbilical wound heals, you can use regular tap water for bathing.
Place the clean (rinsed) slide in the baby's bathtub (if available).
Before diving into the water, wrap your baby in film - it will be more comfortable for him (this is not necessary in the future). Then carefully place your baby in the bath. Do not make very sudden movements, as this may frighten the child.
If you are not using a slide, then hold the back of your baby's head with your hand while bathing. Use your other hand to rinse.
When using baby soap, first lather your baby's body, starting from the neck and gradually moving towards the legs. You should wash your hair last.
First rinse the baby with water from the bath, then pour a ladle of clean boiled water from the prepared container. The water temperature for rinsing should be 36-37⁰ C.
Wrap your newborn in a large towel or thick, large swaddle. There is no need to wipe the baby. Just blot lightly and wait for your baby's skin to dry.
After bathing, do not dress your baby immediately. Wait for the navel to dry. It is important that no water remains in it. Therefore, blot your navel with a cotton pad. Then it can be treated with hydrogen peroxide and brilliant green.
When putting a diaper on a newborn, make sure that the navel is always open. To do this, the edge of the diaper needs to be folded. Or buy diapers with a belly button cutout.
Baby vests, rompers and diapers should always be clean and ironed.

You can bathe your newborn with a clothespin every day. It is enough to use soap and shampoo 1-2 times a week. Don't be alarmed if the clothespin falls off during or immediately after swimming. Just keep an eye on the condition of the umbilical remnant.

If you notice that the skin around the navel has turned red, it has begun to smell and fester - urgently call your local pediatrician. Delay in this case is very dangerous for the newborn!

Enjoy your water procedures for your baby!

When should you start bathing your newborn?

I advise you not to rush to bathe your baby on the first day after returning home. First get used to the new circumstances. Calmness and peace of mind of the mother are very important when communicating with the baby. Don't forget that children feel the emotions of an adult.

Here a reasonable question arises: on what day should a newborn baby be bathed?

It is better to organize the baby’s first bath on the 2nd - 3rd day after discharge from the hospital, provided that there is no longer a clothespin.

If the baby still has a clothespin, I recommend waiting for it to fall off. This usually happens on the 7th day after birth. Until this time, replace bathing at home by wiping with a damp towel.

First bath items

Before giving your newborn a first bath with an umbilical cord clamp, you will need to prepare the following items:

Baby bath . We do not recommend bathing a newborn in a regular bathtub with a clothespin. Because this increases the likelihood of infection through the umbilical wound.
A ladle with which you will rinse the baby. We do not recommend watering a newborn from the shower (such water is rarely perfectly clean). It is better to use boiled water for bathing a newborn.
Water thermometer . The water temperature should be comfortable for a newborn - 37⁰ C. It will not be possible to take accurate measurements without a thermometer.
Swimming slide . Better anatomical, foam slide is also comfortable. Although some mothers do without a slide if there is an assistant (for example, a husband) who holds the baby while bathing.
Baby soap and shampoo . It is recommended to completely soap the baby’s body no more than 2 times a week.
A large towel in which you can completely wrap a clean baby. Remember that you should not dry your newborn vigorously. You can only gently blot his thin skin.
Sterile wipes, cotton wool (cotton pads)
A decoction of chamomile or string . They have anti-inflammatory properties and promote healing of the umbilical wound. Although not every doctor recommends bathing a newborn in a decoction of herbs. It is better to avoid using potassium permanganate altogether.
Children's skin care products.
Diaper.
Baby skin care products, disposable diaper.
Clean clothes.

How to treat a newborn's navel at home

The thick white cord connecting the newborn's tummy and the mother's placenta is the umbilical cord. Immediately after the baby is born, the midwife squeezes it with two clamps and cuts it. This is how the baby becomes an independent person, and the umbilical remnant, which temporarily sticks out from the tummy, reminds of a long connection with the mother. A staple and a tight gauze bandage are applied to it.

Previously, in maternity hospitals it was customary to tie the remaining umbilical cord with a knot to prevent bleeding. It was either cut off on the second day of the baby’s life, or allowed to fall off on its own. The version that different institutions can “tie” the umbilical remnant in different ways is nonsense. The appearance of the navel in the future does not depend on this: its shape is individual and unique for each person.

The umbilical wound must be carefully monitored until it is completely healed and properly cared for. In the maternity hospital, midwives help the mother treat the newborn’s navel, and after discharge, the remainder is checked daily by a visiting nurse. But the main responsibility for care, in any case, lies with the parents. For a daily ritual at home you need:

Sterile cotton swabs;
Hydrogen peroxide solution 3%;
Antiseptic for wound treatment: potassium permanganate, brilliant green, 5% iodine solution, alcohol chlorophyllipt or 70% alcohol solution. Most often, moms and dads use the first two remedies.

It is better to carry out the procedure in the morning and before bedtime. The scheme is as follows:

Unwaddle the baby and remove the diaper.
Bathe the baby in the bath, pat the whole body dry with a soft towel.
Drop a little hydrogen peroxide directly onto the umbilical wound and wait until it stops “hissing.” You should treat the “clothespin” itself with the solution, then wipe the accessory with alcohol.
Blot the wound with a cotton swab and drop a couple of drops of brilliant green onto it. Wait until the wound dries and dress your baby.

By the way, doctors have different opinions about bathing during the healing period of the umbilical wound. There is a theory that it takes longer to heal if it gets wet often.

Some believe that until the navel is completely healed, it either should not be wetted at all, or should be bathed exclusively in boiled water, while others are not against parents immediately washing the baby in warm tap water at a comfortable temperature.

It is better to discuss this point with the pediatrician or doctor at the maternity hospital, but in any case it is better not to touch the wound with your hands when bathing.

While the wound is healing

Photo source: shutterstock.com

Just don’t try to “help” your baby get rid of the umbilical cord with a brace! This can entail many risks to the health of the little man. The remainder falls away on its own when the time comes. In general, the transformation of the umbilical cord into a neat baby navel occurs in several stages:

Directly cutting the umbilical cord after birth and applying a staple;
Drying of the umbilical remnant in the second week of the baby’s life, sometimes later;
Isolation of a small amount of ichor from the umbilical wound, gradual healing with the formation of crusts;
Complete healing of the wound, which lasts 3-4 weeks.

While the first 28 days of the baby’s life are passing, doctors call this the neonatal period, the umbilical wound should not be disturbed with hands or injured by clothing. Even the first diapers for babies are now produced with a special “compartment” for the umbilical cord with a staple to prevent damage to it. In 3-4 weeks, the umbilical wound should heal completely.

How to bathe a newborn for the first time after the hospital

The topic of bathing a newborn in the first days is surrounded by many questions:

Should I bathe my newborn baby only in boiled water or can I use regular water?
What day after birth should I start bathing?
how to bathe a baby with a clothespin and is it possible or not?
what temperature should the water be in the bathroom?

The young mother has not yet recovered from childbirth, and now a serious test awaits her - her first bath. To help my mother deal with this, I decided to write this article.

Article reading time: ~ 6 minutes

When should you start bathing your newborn?

Water temperature for a child’s first bath and hardening.

Bathing a newborn: step-by-step instructions.

Why are newborns bathed every day?

How often should you wash your newborn's hair?

When should you start bathing your newborn?

Don't forget that children feel the emotions of an adult.

Here a reasonable question arises: on what day should a newborn baby be bathed?

It is better to organize the baby’s first bath on the 2nd – 3rd day after discharge from the hospital, provided that there is no longer a clothespin.

If the baby still has a clothespin, I recommend waiting for it to fall off. This usually happens on the 7th day after birth. Until this time, replace bathing at home by wiping with a damp towel.

Water temperature for a child’s first bath and hardening

On this issue, mothers are divided into two camps. Some people think that the child is cold in the water, while others think that he is hot.

The suitable water temperature for the first swim is 36 - 37 degrees.

Pediatricians recommend these values because the temperature of the amniotic fluid is exactly 37 degrees. Plus, the umbilical wound of a newborn heals well in such water. But bathing a child is not the same as washing him.

Bathing a baby = wash + gently harden.

For hardening, prepare a separate ladle with cooler water in advance. Start with a difference of five degrees. Let me explain. If the water in the bathroom is 37 degrees, then in the ladle it is 32. Rinse the child with this water at the end of the bath. Pour sequentially:

First the heels;
Then the legs;
And the back from the bottom up the spine

The entire dousing should last about 5 seconds. Every three days, reduce the temperature of the water in the ladle by 1 degree. When the difference between the temperature of the water in the bath and in the ladle reaches 15 degrees, stop reducing. Continue to pour this water over the baby.

Bathing a newborn: step-by-step instructions

We sorted out the water temperature. It's time to move on to the actual process of bathing a newborn. The steps described below should be followed both when bathing a newborn for the first time after the hospital, and after:

Take regular water from the tap.
No need to boil. There is also no need to add potassium permanganate to the water. Grandmothers may insist, but do not give in to provocation. Check with your pediatrician for the addition of any herbal decoctions.
Don't close the bathroom door. The air temperature during bathing should be 22-23 degrees, as in the entire apartment.
Prepare a towel and two diapers, as well as a ladle of cooler water for hardening. Read about it above.
You can bathe a child in the first days of life in a baby bath with a hammock stretched in it, on a slide or in a sink (read the article “How to bathe a child in a sink”).
Place a towel on the slide or in the sink, this will make the child more comfortable. Such bathing is useful for the baby in the first months, as they naturally recreate the fetal position. In this position, the child's chin touches the chest and the legs are bent towards the tummy.
At the same time, the baby's muscles relax, which reduces physiological hypertonicity.
Gently pour water on the baby, do not forget to rinse all the folds of the little one.
The duration of bathing varies from 5 to 20 minutes, the time depends on the child’s mood.
To increase the duration, talk to your newborn, sing him songs or entertain him with nursery rhymes.
After the main bath, rinse your baby with water from a ladle. How to do it correctly, I wrote above.
After bathing, wrap the wet baby in warm diapers: first in a thin cotton one, and on top in a thick flannelette.
Keep the baby in diapers for a while. Then wipe it off using blotting movements. There is no need to rub, as there is a risk of damaging the baby's skin. There is no need to lubricate the folds with oil or cream unless directed by a pediatrician.

I hope my instructions will help you feel calmer and more confident about your baby’s first bath.

Why are newborns bathed every day?

I have already said that they bathe a baby not only to wash him. This hygienic procedure also perfectly strengthens and relaxes. But hardening of a child’s body occurs only if this is done daily. If you bathe your baby two or three times a week, you will not be able to harden him.

How often should you wash your newborn's hair?

There is a clear association in our heads: if you swim, then be sure to wash your hair with shampoo. If an adult decides for himself how to keep his hair clean, then for a baby it is enough to wash his head and body with detergents once a week.

Reviews for the course 0-3 months

Summarize:

We carry out the first bathing when the clothespin comes off, 2–3 days after discharge from the hospital;
the ideal temperature for bathing a newborn in the first days is 36-37 degrees;
It is useful to bathe the baby in the first months in a sink, hammock or slide, where he assumes the fetal position;
be sure to harden the baby by dousing it;
Take out bright jars of shampoo and soap once a week;
and most importantly, no worries! Give your newborn a fuss-free bath.

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Bathing a newborn: step-by-step instructions and algorithm

The steps described below should be followed both when bathing a newborn for the first time after the hospital, and after:

Pour water into the bath and measure its temperature (36-37 degrees).
Take regular water from the tap. No need to boil. There is also no need to add potassium permanganate to the water. Grandmothers may insist, but do not give in to provocation. Check with your pediatrician for the addition of any herbal decoctions.
Don't close the bathroom door. The air temperature during bathing should be 22-23 degrees, as in the entire apartment.
Prepare a towel and two diapers, as well as a ladle of cooler water for hardening. Read about it above.
You can bathe a child in the first days of life in a baby bath with a hammock stretched in it, on a slide or in a sink. Place a towel on the slide or in the sink, this will make the child more comfortable. Such bathing is useful for the baby in the first months, as they naturally recreate the fetal position. In this position, the child's chin touches the chest and the legs are bent towards the tummy. At the same time, the baby's muscles relax, which reduces physiological hypertonicity.
With her left hand, the mother supports the child under the shoulders, and with her right hand she scoops up water and washes the head, body and all folds. Gently pour water over your baby.
The duration of bathing varies from 5 to 20 minutes, the time depends on the child’s mood. To increase the duration, talk to your newborn, sing him songs or entertain him with nursery rhymes.
After the main bath, rinse your baby with water from a ladle.
After bathing, wrap the wet baby in warm diapers: first in a thin cotton one, and on top in a thick flannelette.
Keep the baby in diapers for a while. Then wipe it off using blotting movements. There is no need to rub, as there is a risk of damaging the baby's skin. There is no need to lubricate the folds with oil or cream unless directed by a pediatrician.
Dress the child.

Bathing a child in the sink: why and how?

Rules for caring for the umbilical wound

10/08/2020 Reading time: 5 min 4899

Before the baby is born, it is connected to the mother's placenta through the umbilical cord. After birth, the placenta is separated, the umbilical cord is cut: doctors leave only a small area, no more than 2 cm. A clothespin clip is snapped onto its remains.

Subsequently, it will fall off on its own, and in its place the child’s navel will form, but in the first days, parents are often frightened by questions related to the treatment of this area. Although doctors are required to tell new mothers about umbilical wound care, many continue to be confused and seek additional information.

Don’t worry: if you do everything correctly, healing will take place on time and without unnecessary problems.

How long does it take for a newborn's belly button to heal?

Within 7-14 days, the umbilical cord remnant becomes thinner, the surface of the skin at the site of attachment of the umbilical cord epithelializes and the remnant falls off on its own.

Decrease in volume (drying out)
Seal
Acquiring a dark brown hue
Decreased contact density with the umbilical ring
Separation with the formation of an umbilical wound

How to choose the right clothes for a newborn

The thin and delicate skin of a baby is vulnerable. This should be taken into account when choosing clothes:

it must be made from natural materials without the addition of synthetics, allow the skin to breathe and not contain harmful dyes that can cause allergies;
there should be no seams or elements passing through the navel that could rub or scratch it, and the clothing itself should not be tight;
if possible, contact with clothing during the healing period of the umbilical wound should be minimal, but since the clothing touches the wound, it will definitely need to be ironed before putting it on the child, so as not to cause infection [1];
When putting on a diaper, its edge should not reach the navel.

In order for the wound to heal faster, it must always remain clean and well ventilated. Remember this when choosing clothes and when dressing your child.

Stages of umbilical wound care

For the first 12–18 hours after birth, the umbilical cord is covered with gauze, then it is removed and not put on again. Immediately after it falls off, it is advised to keep the wound in the air more often: as it dries out, it heals faster.

All you need is to keep the umbilical cord clean and dry:

Maximum air access
Minimal contact with clothing

If any substances get in, the residue is washed with tap water at room temperature with baby liquid soap (or without) and dried with a clean cloth made of easily absorbent fabric (gauze can cling and leave threads).

No special or antibacterial agents are used!

The medical community is increasingly aware of the importance of the bacteria that live near us. Their influence on our health is very great. Therefore, during the natural course of physiological processes, doctors try to minimize the use of agents that destroy microorganisms, including those useful to us.

First aid kit for the procedure.

Basically, treatment requires only standard products that are in every home medicine cabinet.

These include cotton swabs or disks, which must be sterile, chlorhexidine, as well as cotton swabs, a pipette and tweezers. With its help, a tampon is grabbed and used to treat the navel. This is sufficient for standard procedures.

If the newborn needs some special drug, the doctor will prescribe it, as well as give recommendations for use.

Is it possible to bathe a newborn before the wound heals?

Until recently, many were of the opinion that a child should not take a bath until the navel has healed; even when washing, care must be taken to ensure that water does not get into the umbilical wound.

However, today it has been established that clean water is not dangerous for the baby - on the contrary, bathing is necessary to cleanse the skin of impurities, and the absence of water treatments until the navel has healed is harmful.

Bleeding from the umbilical wound: causes

If the healing period has already passed, but blood is still oozing from the navel, or if there is heavy bleeding, you should immediately consult a doctor. This may indicate a pathology that will need urgent treatment. The cause of bleeding can be:

improper, too rough care of the navel, as a result of which it is injured;
mechanical damage from clothing or a diaper.

Possible pathologies

There are several signs that something is wrong. They may mean infection entering the wound or damage to blood vessels:

heavy or prolonged bleeding;
purulent discharge from the navel;
unpleasant odor coming from the wound;
swelling and redness of the area around the navel;
swelling that protrudes when the baby cries;
slow, longer than a month, healing;
bleeding that repeats several times for no apparent reason;
temperature increase;
wet discharge from the wound after 2–3 weeks.

In each of these cases, you should immediately consult a doctor. He will examine the child, make a diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Do not self-medicate. Follow the recommendations that you were given in the maternity hospital, take care of the baby and try to care for his navel so that it heals without unnecessary discomfort for the baby. May your newborn be healthy and happy.

[1] Ministry of Health of the Kaliningrad Region. Recommendations for caring for a newborn baby [2] V.V. Yuryev “Care for a healthy and sick child” [3] Valery Fadeev “Russian book of a mother”

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Treatment of the umbilical wound

What is an umbilical wound and what recommendations for treating the navel after bathing will doctors, including the famous Dr. Komarovsky, give us?

An umbilical wound is a consequence of the removal of the umbilical cord. After the doctor cuts the umbilical cord, a compressive clamp, the so-called “clothespin,” is applied to its short remainder. When the umbilical cord completely dries, it will fall off and in its place there will be an umbilical wound, which also requires additional attention and care.

In the maternity hospital processes the umbilical cord , at the same time teaching the mother to do it correctly. By the time you are discharged, you will most likely know everything about this, but let’s still listen to what recommendations doctors give us for treating the umbilical wound after bathing a newborn

Medical reference books provide detailed recommendations for treating the umbilical wound:

Place the baby on a clean diaper.
Prepare everything you need in advance:

Hydrogen peroxide;
Brilliant green solution (zelenka);
Gauze swab;
Cotton buds.

If we are talking about treating a newborn's navel after bathing , first dry the baby with a towel or sheet. Now you can put it on its back and begin treating the umbilical wound and...
Spread the skin around the navel with the fingers of your left hand.
Place hydrogen peroxide on your belly button
Use a gauze swab to remove peroxide and loose crusts.
Use a gauze pad to dry the navel.
Lubricate the navel with brilliant green using a cotton swab.