Show
The first few weeks after your baby is born, you'll need to keep the stump of the umbilical cord clean and dry as it shrivels and eventually falls off. There is no need to use alcohol on the cord; just keep it clean. Meanwhile, a quick submersion bath is fine before the cord falls off, just dry the stump afterward. Also, keep the diaper folded below the cord to keep urine from soaking it. You may notice a few drops of blood on the diaper around the time the stump falls off; this is normal. But if the cord actively bleeds, call your baby's doctor immediately. If the stump becomes infected, it will require medical treatment.
The umbilical cord stump should dry and fall off by the time your baby is three weeks old. If it is still there beyond that time, a doctor's visit is needed. Umbilical GranulomaSometimes instead of completely drying, the cord will form a granuloma or a small reddened mass of scar tissue that stays on the belly button after the umbilical cord has fallen off. This granuloma will drain a light-yellowish fluid. This condition will usually go away in about a week, but if not, your pediatrician may need to burn off (cauterize) the granulomatous tissue. Umbilical HerniaIf your baby's umbilical cord area seems to push outward when she cries, she may have an umbilical hernia—a small hole in the muscular part of the abdominal wall that allows the tissue to bulge out when there is increased abdominal pressure (i.e., crying). This is not a serious condition, and it usually heals by itself in the first twelve to eighteen months. (For unknown reasons it often takes longer to heal in African American babies.) In the unlikely event it doesn't heal by three to five years of age, the hole may need surgery. Don't put tape or a coin on the navel. It will not help the hernia, and it may cause a skin rash. More Information
Bathing Your Newborn Umbilical Hernia in Children The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. Caring for your baby’s umbilical stump is fairly simple.Your baby’s umbilical cord stump usually dries and falls off two to three weeks after birth. Until then, it takes a little care and attention to prevent infection. Caring for Baby’s Umbilical Cord
Call the doctor if the cord:
Video: Caring for Your Baby's Umbilical Cord
For more Pregnancy and Baby videos, visit Woman’s YouTube Channel. » Baby Umbilical Cord CareYour baby’s umbilical cord area should heal in about 7 to 10 days. Learn how to care for your newborn's umbilical cord to prevent infection until then.Don't be afraid to clean your newborn's umbilical cord. Be sure that you have washed your hands before handling the cord. If the umbilical cord becomes soiled with urine or feces, you should clean the area when you change your baby’s diaper. To clean the cord safely, take a cotton swab, cotton square or cotton round and clean around the base of the umbilical cord with clean water. Remember to avoid covering the cord with the diaper, because the cord area should be kept dry and clean at all times. If the diaper is too high, fold it down on your baby before securing. You can also buy special newborn diapers that have a space cut-out for the umbilical cord. Recommended Products for Newborn CareAre you supposed to clean a newborn umbilical cord?After birth, the cord is clamped and cut. Eventually between 1 to 3 weeks the cord will become dry and will naturally fall off. During the time the cord is healing it should be kept as clean and as dry as possible. A sponge bath is the best way to clean your baby until the umbilical cord falls off.
Should I clean umbilical cord before it falls off?Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry.
The cord stump itself doesn't need cleaning unless it's contaminated with poo or urine. Even then, just use a little plain water to wash it off – there's no need for soap, creams or ointments.
What should a newborn wear while the umbilical cord heals?Use comfortably fitting—not tight—onesies, or just dress baby in diapers and T-shirts. Don't clean the stump unless it comes in contact with stool or other potential infectants. In that case, clean it with water and a mild soap, and dry it thoroughly. Leave it alone.
|
