Is there any special care for the unhealed navel
You should clean the unhealed navel with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball or a mild first-aid ointment. When you give the baby her bath, make sure that this area remains dry. Therefore, tub baths are certainly out while the navel is not healed. A sponge bath can be the answer; it will give you more confidence on handling the baby, and it will take care of the baby’s unhealed navel.
How do I give my baby a sponge bath
Now you are ready to start. You can do a sponge bath right there in the baby’s crib. Place a large towel under her and place a bowl of warm water, about body temperature, nearby. Test the temperature with your elbow or wrist. To keep your baby from getting cold, do not undress her all at once. Wipe across her eyes first with a fresh, damp cotton ball. Wipe with a cotton cloth around the ears and clean her mouth, chin and neck.
Then take off her shirt and wash the abdomen (being careful to keep the unhealed navel dry) and arms, rinsing carefully. Support her head and gently wet her scalp with a washcloth; pat dry. After washing her back, dry and dress her upper body. Next, remove the baby’s diaper, and soap the genital area, buttocks, legs and feet. Rinse her thoroughly and then dry, diaper and dress her.
