Your baby's belly button: it's healing

After birth, the umbilical stump stops receiving blood and naturally begins to dry out. Over the days, it becomes darker, drier and harder, until it falls off on its own. This is a completely normal process and, for most babies, it happens between the 6th and 15th day of life.

During this period, the most important thing is to keep the stump clean and dry. There is no need to pull it or try to speed up its fall. Let your baby's own body complete this process.

After the stump falls off, continue to clean the area gently for a few more days. It is common for a small drop of blood or slight moisture to appear. This is usually part of the healing process and disappears on its own.

When should you seek help? Contact a healthcare professional if the skin around the belly button becomes very red, warm or swollen, or if you notice pus, a bad smell, a fever, or bleeding that does not stop after light pressure.

The umbilical stump has no nerve endings. Therefore, cleaning the belly button carefully does not cause your baby any pain, although they may react to the feeling of touch or the temperature.