Do infants need to use belly button patches when taking a bath?

Sep 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

In general, whether to use a belly button patch when bathing an infant should be determined based on the healing status of the umbilical area. It is recommended to use a belly button patch if the infant's umbilicus has not fully healed. However, if the umbilicus has completely healed without signs of redness, swelling, or discharge, a belly button patch is not necessary. To properly care for an infant's umbilicus, it is important to keep the umbilical area and surrounding skin clean and dry in daily routines.

Generally speaking, whether to use a belly button patch when bathing a baby depends on the healing condition of the umbilicus. It is recommended to use a belly button patch if the baby's umbilicus has not fully healed. However, if the umbilicus has completely healed without symptoms such as redness, swelling, or discharge, a belly button patch is unnecessary. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If the baby's umbilical stump has not yet fallen off, or there is still slight discharge, redness, or swelling after it has fallen off, and the area hasn't fully healed, it is recommended to use a belly button patch during bathing. Belly button patches can prevent moisture from entering the umbilicus during bathing, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and preventing the unhealed umbilicus from becoming contaminated and causing discomfort.

When the baby's umbilical stump has naturally fallen off and the skin around the umbilicus is flat, dry, and shows no signs of discharge, redness, swelling, or damage, it indicates that the umbilicus has fully healed. In this case, using a belly button patch during bathing is unnecessary. Overuse of belly button patches may cause the skin around the umbilicus to become less breathable, interfere with the normal respiration of the local skin, and could even lead to skin redness, itching, or other discomforts.

To properly care for a baby's umbilicus, it is important to keep the umbilicus and surrounding skin clean and dry in daily life. During each diaper change, the umbilicus can be appropriately exposed to avoid repeated friction from the diaper. Once the umbilicus has healed, it can be washed normally during bathing, but excessive rubbing should be avoided. After washing, gently pat the area dry with a soft towel to absorb the moisture.

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What is the appropriate water temperature for bathing a newborn baby?

Under normal circumstances, the recommended water temperature for bathing a newborn is between 37°C and 40°C. This temperature range is close to the infant's skin temperature, which helps reduce irritation to the baby's skin and makes the baby more comfortable. Adjustments should also be made according to the ambient temperature and the baby's individual response. When bathing the baby, it is also important to avoid bathing for too long, generally limiting the bath time to 5–10 minutes.

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What is the optimal duration for bathing an infant?

Generally speaking, there is no standard recommendation for the "best duration for infant bathing." It is commonly advised to choose a time between two feedings, during the afternoon or evening. Bathing should be avoided right after feeding, before sleep, or when the baby is tired or fussy, to prevent discomfort. Bathing immediately after feeding should also be avoided, as the baby's stomach is full at this time, and bathing may cause spitting up or abdominal bloating.

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How to Bathe an Infant

Under normal circumstances, bathing an infant requires adequate preparation before bathing, adjusting the water temperature and environment, properly supporting and placing the infant into the water, cleaning the body in the correct order, and promptly drying and keeping the infant warm. Standardized procedures can ensure the infant's safety and reduce discomfort. During routine bathing, each session should be limited to 5–10 minutes to avoid infant fatigue. The amount of water in the bathtub should be sufficient to cover the infant's waist, but should not be excessive.

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What is the best time of day to bathe an infant?

Generally speaking, there is no specific "best time of day for bathing an infant." An appropriate duration for bathing a baby is 5-10 minutes per day. The exact length should be adjusted according to the infant's age, physical condition, and environmental temperature, avoiding prolonged bathing that may cause fatigue or chilling. To ensure the infant's comfort, it is recommended to choose a time when the baby is in a good mood and alert.