Question

My baby is now 5 months old, and I noticed black stuff in his navel during bath time. It smells a bit bad, and there’s also some redness. What could this be?

Answer

Hello, based on your description, it seems likely to be due to inadequate hygiene in the area. Please note, it is not advisable to use cotton swabs to clean your baby’s navel as this may cause an infection. The black substance in the navel is typically normal discharge that will fall off on its own over time. I recommend maintaining a calm attitude and helping your baby establish healthy living habits, such as taking regular baths, changing clothes frequently, and maintaining good personal hygiene. If necessary, please seek treatment at a professional hospital.