What Should I Do If My Babys Belly Button Becomes Infected and Forms Pus?

How to Handle Infant's Belly Button Infection

The treatment of infant's belly button infection should be based on the child's reaction. If the baby is feeding normally, crying loudly, it is sufficient to sterilize the local area with iodophor twice a day and observe carefully. However, if the child is not feeding well, not crying, and not moving much, it is necessary to take the child to the hospital as soon as possible as there may be a complication of purulent meningitis, whose early symptoms are not obvious.

What to Do if Infant's Belly Button is Infected?

If you find that your child's belly button is infected, first clean the infected area, then apply some anti-inflammatory medication after cleaning. Once the belly button is completely dry, apply a special belly button patch on top. Generally, baby-specific belly button patches have a layer of medication on top. Just apply the medication to the baby's belly button and secure the patch.

How to Care for Infant's Belly Button?

1. Daily sterilization. During the period when the baby's umbilical cord has not fallen off, gently wipe the umbilical cord root with a 75% alcohol swab 1-2 times a day. After sterilization, remember to immediately use a tissue to gently absorb the moisture. Sterilization can be stopped around 25 days after the baby's birth.

2. Keep the area dry. Before the baby's umbilical cord falls off, it should be kept dry. If the umbilical cord root gets wet accidentally during bathing, first wipe it clean with a clean cotton swab and then proceed with umbilical cord care.

3. Prevent friction. The size of the diaper should be appropriate, and never let the waistband cover the umbilical cord root. This can easily cause friction to the umbilical cord root during the baby's movements, leading to redness, peeling, or even bleeding.