Why are we “obsessed” with baby’s belly button? Before the baby is born in the mother’s stomach through the umbilical cord and mother’s placenta connected to obtain nutrients and oxygen, after the birth of the umbilical cord cut means that the baby and the mother is officially separated, and began to face this new world as an independent individual. The small belly button has become a unique symbol of the newborn baby. How to sterilize and care for baby’s navel? The umbilical cord of the newborn is a wound for bacteria and other pathogens to provide a “window”, such as improper care, bacteria can enter the body through the umbilical cord, growth and reproduction in the body, threatening the health of newborns, so the newborn umbilical cord need to be carefully cared for. First of all, pay attention to protect the umbilicus when bathing. Generally speaking, before the umbilical stump does not fall off, it is best to wipe the bath for the baby or put on the waterproof sticker in the bath, but remember to take off the waterproof sticker after the bath, can not use the waterproof sticker to cover the umbilicus for a long time, and if you need to protect the umbilicus you can put on sterile gauze. It is not convenient to wipe the bath or waterproof sticker, the navel for a short period of time touching the water is generally not a big problem, but be sure to control the bath time, can not soak in the water for too long, as soon as possible after the bath with a clean gauze or towel to the navel nest of the water wipe clean, so that the umbilicus to keep dry. The baby’s umbilical cord should be sterilized daily before it falls off and for the first few days after it falls off. Time is generally chosen after the bath, with 75% medical alcohol (drugstore available) disinfection, disinfection cotton swabs dipped in more alcohol, be sure to gently extend the disinfection swabs to the navel nest inside to go, or gently press the swabs so that the alcohol dipped into the navel center, disinfection navel middle and then a circle to disinfect the outward, a cotton swabs with a time, the swabs can not be dipped back into the alcohol. The general shelf life of the opened disinfectant and swabs is one week. What abnormalities require prompt medical attention? If there is any odor, bleeding, redness, obvious discharge, granulation, or swelling at the umbilicus (noticeable when crying), you need to consult a doctor to check for umbilical infection, umbilical hernia, or other abnormalities.