Question
How should parents care for a newborn’s umbilical cord after it falls off?
Answer
After a newborn’s umbilical cord falls off, it is recommended to wait at least one week before allowing the baby to get into water to avoid infection. During this period, you can use iodine alcohol for wiping, which is quite effective. Additionally, the sleeping position that the baby finds most comfortable is usually the one they prefer; by the time they are 6 to 7 months old, babies start to roll over, which is a normal physiological development. If the baby enjoys tummy sleeping and can roll over on their own, it indicates that they can move their bodies freely, a symbol of growth. In fact, many animals in nature are accustomed to lying on their stomachs. Recent research points out that tummy sleeping has many benefits.