Navel Care – Tips for Newborns and Adults

What Is Navel Care?

Navel care encompasses all measures for the hygienic cleaning and treatment of the navel (umbilicus). It is especially important in newborns, as the umbilical stump – the remnant of the umbilical cord left after birth – represents an open wound that is susceptible to bacterial colonization and infection. In adults, the navel can accumulate bacteria, dead skin cells, and dirt, making regular cleaning advisable.

Navel Care in Newborns

After birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, leaving behind a short stump. This umbilical cord stump typically dries out and falls off on its own within one to three weeks. During this period, proper care is essential to prevent complications such as inflammation or infection.

Recommended Care Measures for Newborns

• Keep the navel area dry and clean at all times
• Clean the stump only with clear water or a solution recommended by a midwife or healthcare provider
• Allow the area to air dry thoroughly after cleaning
• Fold the diaper below the umbilical stump to avoid friction and moisture buildup
• Avoid applying powder, oils, or creams to the navel area unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional
• Never pull or force the stump off – it will detach naturally

Navel Care in Adults

In adults, the navel can accumulate a mixture of skin oils, dirt, and bacteria over time. Regular but gentle cleaning is therefore recommended. During showering, use a soft cloth and mild soap to clean the navel, and make sure to dry the area thoroughly afterward. This is particularly important for individuals with a deep or inward-facing navel, as trapped moisture can promote fungal infections or skin irritation.

Signs of a Navel Infection

Both in newborns and adults, the following signs should prompt immediate medical attention:

• Redness, swelling, or warmth around the navel
• Purulent or foul-smelling discharge from the navel
• Fever (particularly in newborns)
• Persistent moisture or bleeding at the umbilical stump
• Hardening of the surrounding tissue

A bacterial infection of the navel in newborns is called omphalitis and requires prompt medical treatment, as it can spread rapidly and become life-threatening.

Umbilical Cord Stump – Common Questions

When does the umbilical cord stump fall off?

The umbilical cord stump typically dries out and falls off on its own within 7 to 21 days after birth. If it has not detached after four weeks, a midwife or doctor should be consulted.

Does the umbilical stump need to be disinfected?

Current medical guidelines – including those from the World Health Organization (WHO) – recommend dry cord care for newborns in high-income settings: the stump should not be treated with alcohol or antiseptics, but simply kept dry and clean. In regions with a higher risk of infection, the application of chlorhexidine may be recommended to reduce the risk of omphalitis.

Navel Care After Medical Procedures

Following abdominal surgery, navel piercing, or in cases where a stoma is located near the navel, specific care instructions apply. These are typically provided by the treating physician or nursing staff and should be followed carefully to prevent wound healing complications.

References

1. World Health Organization (WHO): WHO recommendations on newborn health – Guidelines on basic newborn resuscitation. WHO Press, Geneva, 2012.
2. Zupan J, Garner P, Omari AA: Topical umbilical cord care at birth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2004.
3. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Care of the Umbilical Cord – Clinical Guidelines. Pediatrics, 2013.