Question
What disinfectant is safest for a newborn’s navel?
Answer
Generally, within 24 hours after a child is born, the bandage should be opened to stop wrapping, promoting the drying and shedding of the navel stump. When handling the navel, wash your hands clean, pinch the navel, gently lift it, and use a 75% alcohol swab to disinfect around the base of the navel, wiping away all secretions and bloodstains. This should be done 1 to 2 times a day to keep the navel base clean.