What Is a Belly Button Infection?
4. Can Babies Get Belly Button Infections?
Omphalitis is the term for a belly button infection in newborn babies. It is rare in the U.S. and other developed countries, but more prevalent in places without good sanitation and medical care. It is caused by bacteria and is most likely to occur in premature babies or in those with extremely low birth weights or weakened immune systems. Symptoms are noticeable within the first five days for premature babies and within nine for babies born at full-term.
To prevent omphalitis, follow your doctor’s instructions for cleaning the umbilical cord stub. Wash it gently with a damp cloth, but don’t use soap, alcohol, or other cleaning or disinfecting agents. Dry it gently, and be sure to keep it outside the diaper. Don’t pull on the cord or try to remove it yourself, and do not bathe the baby in a bathtub until the cord has fallen off and healed.
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