Final answer:
No, you should not cover an unhealed umbilical site with the diaper. It is important to keep the umbilical cord site clean and dry to prevent infection. Folding the top of the diaper down to expose the umbilical cord site and allow it to air out is recommended.
Step-by-step explanation:
No, you should not cover an unhealed umbilical site with the diaper
When a newborn is born, the umbilical cord is cut, leaving a stub that will eventually become the navel after it fully heals. It usually takes about three weeks for the umbilical cord stub to dry out, shrivel, darken, and fall off. During this time, it is important to keep the umbilical cord site clean and dry to prevent infection.
Placing a diaper over an unhealed umbilical site can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. It is best to fold the top of the diaper down to expose the umbilical cord site and allow it to air out.