How to Care for Your Newborn's Umbilical Cord
Caring for your newborn's umbilical cord is an essential part of postnatal care. Proper care ensures that the cord stump heals correctly and prevents infections. Here are some tips to help you care for your newborn’s umbilical cord.
1. Keep It Clean and Dry
Cleanliness is key. The umbilical cord stump should be kept clean and dry to prevent infections. Avoid submerging your baby in water until the stump falls off. Instead, give your baby sponge baths, ensuring the cord area remains dry.
2. Fold the Diaper
Prevent irritation. Fold your baby's diaper below the umbilical cord stump to avoid irritation and allow air to circulate. Many newborn diapers come with a cut-out area specifically for this purpose.
3. Use Alcohol Swabs (If Recommended)
Follow your doctor’s advice. Some doctors recommend cleaning the base of the cord with alcohol swabs after each diaper change. This practice can help prevent infection and speed up the drying process. However, recent guidelines suggest that leaving the cord stump to dry naturally may also be effective. Follow your pediatrician's advice.
4. Dress Your Baby in Loose Clothing
Comfort and airflow. Dress your baby in loose-fitting clothing to ensure the cord stump gets plenty of air. Avoid tight waistbands or clothing that could rub against the stump.
5. Monitor for Signs of Infection
Stay vigilant. Watch for signs of infection, such as:
Redness and swelling around the base of the stump
Foul-smelling discharge
Persistent bleeding
Fever
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your pediatrician immediately.
6. Be Gentle
Handle with care. When caring for your newborn, be gentle around the cord area. Avoid pulling on the stump, even if it looks like it’s about to fall off. Let it detach naturally, usually within one to three weeks after birth.
7. Avoid Submerging in Water
Sponge baths only. Until the umbilical cord stump falls off, stick to sponge baths. Gently clean your baby with a damp cloth, avoiding the stump area. Once the stump has detached and the area has healed, you can start regular baths.
8. Keep an Eye on Bleeding
Monitor minor bleeding. It’s normal for the stump to bleed a little when it’s about to fall off. However, if the bleeding is excessive or doesn’t stop, consult your pediatrician.
9. Leave It Alone
Hands-off approach. Avoid applying lotions, powders, or ointments to the umbilical cord stump. These can interfere with the natural drying and healing process. Stick to the basics: keep it clean and dry.
10. Watch for Complete Healing
Healing process. After the stump falls off, you may notice a small raw area or a bit of discharge. This is normal and should heal within a few days. Continue to keep the area clean and dry, and consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about healing.
11. Know When to Call the Doctor
Seek medical advice. If the stump hasn’t fallen off after three weeks or if you observe any unusual symptoms, such as a large amount of discharge or persistent redness, it’s important to consult your pediatrician.
Proper care of your newborn's umbilical cord is essential for their health and well-being. By following these tips, you can ensure the stump heals properly and your baby stays comfortable and infection-free. Always consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions about your newborn's umbilical cord care.
