How to Clean a Baby's Belly Button

Co-authored by Jami Yaeger

Last Updated: February 23, 2024 References

Cleaning your baby’s belly button can be easily managed at home. Depending on whether their umbilical cord has fallen off or not, the cleaning process is a little different. Babies with intact umbilical stumps can get sponge baths, but the cord itself should be kept dry. Babies with healed belly buttons can simply have warm baths and be cleaned with gentle baby soap. Enjoy bonding with your baby during bath time, and when cleaning their belly button just remember to be gentle.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Cleaning the Umbilical Stump

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Prepare your bath time items beforehand to avoid leaving your baby unattended. Get a large, soft towel to lay your baby on, or use their changing station – you need to give your baby sponge baths before their cord falls off, not submerge them in water. Gather a sponge or another soft towel, cotton swabs or Q-tips, a bowl of warm water, gentle baby soap or cleanser, and a clean diaper and clothes.^{[1]
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Wash your hands. Keep your baby’s cord clean by washing your own hands before handling your baby. Use soap and warm water to lather your hands well for at least 30 seconds, and rinse them thoroughly.^{[2]
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- Wash your hands before and after you change your baby’s diaper, and any time you’re going to touch their umbilical area.^{[3]
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Dip a cotton swab in warm water and squeeze the end to get rid of extra water. Clean the skin around the cord and the base of the cord with the cotton swab. Keep the actual cord dry.^{[4]
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If there’s dirt, feces, or urine around the cord, add a little gentle baby cleanser to your water and use this to clean the area with a fresh cotton swab.^{[5]
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Research source} Use a gentle wiping motion; there’s no need to harshly scrub.
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Dry the cord thoroughly. Use a clean, dry cloth to hold the umbilical stump until it is completely dry. Pat or blot the surrounding area dry (don’t rub).^{[6]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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- Once the cord is totally dry, you can put on your baby’s fresh diaper. Don’t cover the cord with the diaper – fold the top down so it doesn't irritate the area.^{[7]
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  Jami Yaeger
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  Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.}
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Watch out for problems with the cord stump. Usually, the umbilical stump will fall off naturally within three weeks from when your baby is born.^{[8]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} Do not pull off the umbilical stump; it's important to let it fall off naturally.^{[9]
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Research source} While you're cleaning the cord area, look for signs of possible infection such as pus or drainage, redness, and swelling in the area, or if your baby is lethargic, fussy, or has a fever. A little dried blood around the stump is normal, but take your baby to the doctor right away if you notice any signs of infection.^{[10]
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Jami Yaeger
Parenting Specialist

Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.}
- Never pull on the umbilical cord—just allow it to fall off on its own.^{[11]
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  Expert Source
  
  Jami Yaeger
  Parenting Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Cleaning a Healed Belly Button

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1
Prepare your tub with lukewarm water. If you have a baby tub, fill it partially with lukewarm water. If you’re using a regular bathtub, add 2-3 inches of water and be sure to keep your baby upright and supported.^{[12]
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- Keep one hand on your baby at all times during a bath in a tub.^{[13]
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Clean your baby’s hair, face, and body first. When you’re about to end the bath, wipe the skin around the belly button and inside their belly button with a clean wet washcloth and some gentle baby soap. Rinse the area with warm water to get the soap off.^{[14]
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Pat your baby’s stomach and belly button dry with a clean, soft, dry towel. Be sure to dry inside the belly button by gently patting dry with the towel – don’t rub hard or scrub the area.^{[15]
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Research source} Dress your baby once they’re dry.
If your baby’s cord recently fell off, don’t use lotions. The belly button might still be healing and lotions can cause irritation or infection. Simply let the belly button get plenty of air and keep it clean and dry.^{[16]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

Can you use alcohol to clean baby belly button?

Jami Yaeger
Parenting Specialist
Jami Yaeger is a Parenting Specialist, Doula, and the Owner of AustinBorn, an online community offering comprehensive and modern education to growing families. With 10 years of experience, Jami specializes in whole family support for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting. Jami earned her BA in Theatre Performance from San Diego State University and earned her Certification as a Lactation Education Counselor from the University of California, San Diego. She is a Certified Infant and Child CPR Instructor, Birth and Postpartum Doula, and Childbirth Educator.

Jami Yaeger

Parenting Specialist

Expert Answer

Don’t use alcohol. This used to be recommended, but now it’s advised to just use water. The alcohol can actually kill good bacteria that helps in the healing process.

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Question

Can I make my baby's umbilical cord fall off more quickly?

Jami Yaeger
Parenting Specialist
Jami Yaeger is a Parenting Specialist, Doula, and the Owner of AustinBorn, an online community offering comprehensive and modern education to growing families. With 10 years of experience, Jami specializes in whole family support for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting. Jami earned her BA in Theatre Performance from San Diego State University and earned her Certification as a Lactation Education Counselor from the University of California, San Diego. She is a Certified Infant and Child CPR Instructor, Birth and Postpartum Doula, and Childbirth Educator.

Jami Yaeger

Parenting Specialist

Expert Answer

Keep in mind that for the most part, there's not really anything you need to do to the umbilical stump. It will heal on its own and fall off in about 1-2 weeks.

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Question

How should I care for my baby's umbilical stump?

Jami Yaeger
Parenting Specialist
Jami Yaeger is a Parenting Specialist, Doula, and the Owner of AustinBorn, an online community offering comprehensive and modern education to growing families. With 10 years of experience, Jami specializes in whole family support for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting. Jami earned her BA in Theatre Performance from San Diego State University and earned her Certification as a Lactation Education Counselor from the University of California, San Diego. She is a Certified Infant and Child CPR Instructor, Birth and Postpartum Doula, and Childbirth Educator.

Jami Yaeger

Parenting Specialist

Expert Answer

Keep the area clean and dry, and just give it time to heal. Give your baby sponge baths, and fold the front of their diaper down so it doesn't irritate the area. Also, never pull the umbilical cord as it's healing, even if it's only attached by the tiniest bit.

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