The navel is the most susceptible place for infection in newborns because of the umbilical cord cut after birth, which is considered an open wound on the baby's body. If the umbilical cord cutting tools and daily dressing changes are not properly sterilized, the navel will face a very high risk of infection.

The umbilical cord provides oxygen and nutrients for the fetus to develop while in the mother's womb. After birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, leaving an umbilical stump that eventually falls off and heals to form the navel. Normally, the umbilical stump may have a characteristic odor before it falls off. However, if a newborn's navel smells bad after it has fallen off, this may be a problem and the baby needs proper care.

Due to its unique structure, the belly button is a haven for various bacteria, fungi, and dirt. If not cleaned regularly, this area can become a breeding ground for microorganisms, leading to unpleasant odors. Let’s explore the causes of belly button odor in detail.