Wash your hands before touching the area
Clean the belly button gently with plain water and a soft cotton ball or clean gauze
Pat the area dry with a clean towel or gauze
Keep the diaper folded below the belly button to let air reach it
Give sponge baths until the area is fully healed
Keep the area clean and dry
Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or powder unless your pediatrician says to
Do not pull off any remaining scab or stump
Watch for redness, swelling, foul smell, pus, bleeding that does not stop, or fever
Contact your pediatrician if you notice any of those signs