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For ten months within the maternal womb, the fetus communicates with the mother solely through the umbilicus. Even after birth and separation from the womb, the Qi (vital energy) connected through the umbilicus has not yet completely ceased. When cutting the umbilical cord, a length of six cun should be the standard; it must not be too short or too long. If too short, it damages the Zang organs (solid internal organs); if too long, it injures the muscles. The umbilicus should be bound using soft silk and new cotton to avoid moisture from urine and invasion by Wind pathogens. This is the primary method for preventing Umbilical Wind (neonatal tetanus).

[Chen Shouzhen's Note] Ancient methods included applying Hu Fen San (Lead Carbonate Powder) between the umbilical stump, using a cauterizing cake for moxibustion on the umbilicus, or burning the stump with oil-soaked mugwort cones. All these methods have drawbacks. It is better to wait until the umbilical cord falls off naturally, then apply Feng Qi San (Umbilical Sealing Powder), followed by covering with a small plaster. Replace the plaster when wet, maintaining dryness as the standard.

When bathing the infant, choose a windless, enclosed place. The duration should be moderate; do not stay in water for too long. In winter, fear cold invasion; in summer, fear heat injury. Ancient bathing decoctions used tiger head bone, peach branch, gold and silver vessels, and pig bile boiled together. Alternatively, branches from five trees—peach, locust, mulberry, plum, and willow—added with pig bile were used to remove filth and moisten the skin, helping to prevent fright and reducing the incidence of sores and scabies.

[Chen Shouzhen's Note] During bathing, protect the infant's back to prevent Wind-Cold from entering and causing Epileptic Wind (convulsions). Also, cover the umbilicus well to keep it dry, fearing the onset of Che Kou (lockjaw) and Umbilical Wind. For the bathing water, using fresh Chang Pu (Acorus tatarinowii Rhizome) and gold/silver vessels boiled together is particularly simple and effective.

Initial breast milk must first have the retained old milk squeezed out before feeding the infant.
If the mother feels sleepy, breastfeeding should be stopped immediately. Otherwise, the infant may fall asleep without feeling full, and there is a risk of Nasal Wind blowing into the milk, transforming into External Blowing (mastitis).
Infants under half a year old should only consume breast milk. After six months, thin porridge can be introduced. However, their intestines and stomach are still fragile and narrow. Milk and food should not be given simultaneously, as mixing them makes digestion difficult.

Immediately after birth, infants often have nodules in both breasts. If these persist for a long time without dispersing, they become swollen, hard, and toxic, causing incessant crying. Frequently massaging the breasts to express the milk will cause the nodules to dissipate naturally.

At one month of age, shaving the head must be done in a warm, enclosed room because the infant's Qi and Blood are not yet abundant, making them susceptible to Cold Wind. After shaving, grind three apricot kernels finely, add three mint leaves and grind again, mix with three to four drops of sesame oil, and blend evenly with Ni Fen (calamine or similar powder). Apply this mixture to the scalp to ward off Wind pathogens and prevent conditions such as carbuncles, boils, and Heat toxins.

[Chen Shouzhen's Note] For shaving the lanugo (fetal hair), hot water is not needed. Instead, use one cooked egg yolk (whites removed) while still warm to rub the head. This is smoother and easier to shave than washing with water, avoiding injury from dampness and Wind.