Today, I’ll tell you how to take your baby’s umbilical cord care effectively to avoid any umbilical cord infection.
You know that umbilical cord stump is the delicate part of your newborn.
As a result, you need to learn all about your newborn umbilical cord care to promote the healing and get a healthy belly button.
So, go on reading to enhance your newborn care and ensure its safe growth.
You will know from this article:
- What is an umbilical cord?
- When Does an Umbilical Cord Fall Off?
- 4 Easy Tips for umbilical cord care of your newborn.
- What are the signs of umbilical cord infection?
- Treatment for Umbilical Cord Infection
What is an Umbilical Cord?
During your pregnancy, when your little sweetie was in your womb, there was a connection between you & your baby, by which your little one got all essential nutrition and oxygen from your body to grow up.
The name of this connection is the umbilical cord.
After your baby’s birth, the umbilical cord is no longer needed and it is cut off.
But a small portion of the cord is attached to your baby’s belly button which takes a little care to prevent infection.
When Does an Umbilical Cord Fall Off
The average time for the umbilical cord to fall off is 2 or 3 weeks. After your baby’s birth, the umbilical cord stump falls off on its own within this time.
Generally, it changes in color from yellow to brown or black until it dries up and falls off. You shouldn’t be worried about this color change. It’s normal.
But, gentle newborn umbilical cord care is needed during this period. Otherwise, an infection may arise in the belly button of your baby.
4 Easy Tips for Newborn Umbilical Cord Care
Follow the below tips for your newborn umbilical cord care and its safety:
Keep the Area Clean and Dry
- You should clean your hands properly before handling your newborn’s umbilical cord.
- Wet a clean soft cotton cloth with lukewarm water only & squeeze it.
- Clean the area by gentle wiping with a wet clean cloth every day.
- Pat it to dry with a clean and absorbent cloth.
Give Your Baby a Sponge Bath or Quick Wash
- Your baby’s navel area shouldn’t be submerged in water until the cord stump falls off and heals the area.
- If you want, you can wash your baby quickly with lukewarm water. But you have to be over-conscious to keep the umbilical cord stump dry and away from water as long as you can.
- If the cord stump gets wet, immediately dry it with a soft clean cloth or tissue.
- Clean the cord stump gently with warm water and dry it, if it gets dirty by your baby’s urine and poop.
Dress Your Baby Carefully
- As your baby’s belly button is the most delicate part of her body, you should dress and diaper her carefully to avoid any harm to the cord stump. Besides, allow the area is free to air so that it dries out.
- Use newborn diapers that have a special cut out or keep the front of your baby’s diaper folded down to keep the area free or uncover.
- Dress your baby carefully to keep the area open as much as you can.
Allow the Cord Stump Fall Off Naturally
- Let the umbilical cord stump fall off on its own.
- Don’t pull the cord stump off even if it’s hanging by a thread.
- If your baby’s cord stump doesn’t fall off within the regular time, contact your baby’s doctor.
Well, your baby’s button can be seen when the umbilical cord stump falls off. It is normal to see a bit of dried blood or crust on or around the belly button.
So, don’t worry about your baby’s belly button which will also heal within a few days.
What are the Signs of Umbilical Cord Infection?
The umbilical cord infection is rare, but in some cases, it may arise to the baby’s umbilical cord.
- The Baby’s body temperature rises.
- The naval area looks red and tender.
- Noticing umbilical cord bleeding.
- The belly button produces yellowish or white pus.
- Noticing umbilical granuloma.
- Baby cries when you touch the navel area.
- The umbilical cord smell may be bad.
- The stump doesn’t fall off.
Treatment for Umbilical Cord Infection
If you notice the above symptoms in your baby, find out your baby’s doctor and consult him immediately. Besides, don’t forget to do the above umbilical cord care.
Final Thought
I hope now you are well educated about newborn umbilical cord care. As your baby is your world of happiness, be careful to avoid any kind of infection of your baby’s umbilical cord. Through proper caring, get a beautiful, healthy belly button and enjoy your baby’s heavenly smile.