Question
How should a newborn’s navel be handled when it comes into contact with water during bathing?
Answer
During a bath, if the newborn’s navel only comes into contact with clear water, it usually does not cause infection. However, if the bathwater contains a high concentration of soap and is rather turbid, the risk of navel infection may increase. It is recommended to keep the newborn’s navel protected during bathing and avoid letting excessive water enter the navel hole. After taking a bath, use a clean cloth to gently absorb the moisture around the navel and keep it dry. In addition, the newborn’s body temperature should be maintained between 36 to 37 degrees Celsius, and attention should be paid to fluid intake to observe their health status. Due to climate changes, special attention should be given to keeping the newborn warm to prevent colds.