Soon after your baby enters the world, the umbilical cord—which attaches your baby to the placenta while in the uterus—will be cut by your partner or medical team. Some mamas may be surprised to know that a portion of the umbilical stump remains attached to baby’s belly button until it falls off on its own (typically 1-3 weeks after birth). But not to fear! Umbilical cord care is actually pretty simple. Here are five things to know about caring for your baby’s umbilical cord stump.
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Keep it Dry: It’s important to keep baby’s umbilical stump as dry as possible, meaning no bathtubs until it has fallen off. The best way to bathe baby in the early days following delivery is using a sponge bath. Dip a soft washcloth in warm water with a mild soap, and wipe baby’s skin from head to toe. You can gently clean the base of the umbilical cord stump with a damp cotton ball or clean washcloth, too.
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No need for alcohol: Back in the day, new parents were often instructed to clean the umbilical cord area with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. This is no longer the case. Researchers believe the alcohol could kill certain bacteria that actually help to dry out the cord and help it separate from the body.
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Keep the diaper below the cord: You might notice that many newborn-sized diapers have a small cutout on the front. This is to help keep the diaper (and subsequent urine) out of the way of baby’s healing belly button. It’s important to ensure baby’s diaper doesn’t cover or rub against the umbilical cord stump. If your brand of diapers doesn’t have an umbilical cord notch, simply fold the diaper down after securing it.
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Let it fall off on its own: Hands off, mama! Even if it seems to be barely hanging on, let baby’s umbilical stump fall off on its own—don’t pull or pick at it. When it does fall off, it’s normal for there to be a tiny amount of blood, just like when a scab comes off. If the umbilical cord area is truly bleeding, call baby’s provider right away.
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Watch for the following symptoms: While uncommon, infection and other complications involving the umbilical cord stump can occur. If you notice any of the following, call baby’s provider:
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Baby’s umbilical cord stump hasn’t fallen off after three weeks of age. This can be a sign of an underlying problem such as infection or an immune system condition.
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Signs of infection, including smelly yellow discharge from the cord area, red swollen skin at the base of the cord, or crying when you touch the skin near the cord.
- Umbilical granuloma: This small mass of red scar tissue stays on the belly button after the cord falls off. An umbilical granuloma can drain a light yellowish fluid, and typically resolves itself within a week. If not, baby’s provider may need to cauterize the tissue.
- Umbilical hernia: If you notice baby’s belly button area pushes out when they cry, they may have an umbilical hernia. This small hole in the muscle of the abdominal wall allows tissue to bulge out when there’s pressure on the belly. Umbilical hernias usually heal by the time your little one is 18 months without medical intervention. However, if your child’s hernia isn’t healed by the time they reach 3-5 years of age, their provider may recommend surgery to repair it.
If you have any questions about your little one’s umbilical cord or belly button after coming home from the hospital, give baby’s provider a call or address it at their next checkup.