Congratulations on the arrival of your little one! As you settle into life with your newborn, you’ll notice that caring for their delicate umbilical cord is an important part of the early days. It may seem a bit daunting at first, but with a little understanding and care, your baby’s umbilical cord will heal naturally within just a few weeks. Let’s walk through the steps to ensure your baby’s umbilical area stays clean, dry, and healthy.
What is the Umbilical Cord?
The umbilical cord is your baby’s lifeline throughout pregnancy, connecting them to the placenta. The placenta is a special organ grown by the mother to filter and pass oxygen and nutrients to your baby through the umbilical cord. After birth, the cord is clamped and cut, leaving behind a small stump attached to your baby’s belly button. The placenta is carefully expelled after the baby is delivered, and the rest of the umbilical cord, along with the placenta, are often discarded after delivery. The umbilical cord stump left behind on Baby will naturally dry out and fall off, usually within 1 to 3 weeks after birth.
Step-by-Step Guide to Umbilical Cord Care
- Keep the Area Clean and Dry
The most important thing you can do is to keep your baby’s umbilical cord stump clean and dry. This helps prevent infection and speeds up the healing process. Avoid submerging your baby in water until the cord has fallen off. Instead, give your newborn sponge baths, gently cleaning around the cord with a soft cloth. There’s no need to scrub the stump—just pat it dry carefully after the bath.
- Fold Diapers Below the Cord
You want to make sure the diaper doesn’t rub against the umbilical stump, as this can cause irritation or slow down the healing process. Many newborn diapers come with a fold-down feature for this very reason, but if yours don’t, you can simply fold the front of the diaper down to allow air to reach the area. Keeping the stump exposed to air helps it dry out and detach naturally.
- Dress Baby in Loose-Fitting Clothing
Loose-fitting clothing, like onesies or gowns, helps keep the area around the cord ventilated and reduces any unnecessary friction. Tight clothing can rub against the stump and cause irritation, so it’s best to dress your baby in soft, breathable fabrics.
- Let the Cord Fall Off Naturally
It’s tempting to want to speed things along, especially when the stump starts looking dry and shriveled. But it’s important to let the umbilical cord fall off on its own. Don’t tug or pull at the stump, even if it’s barely hanging on. Just trust that it will detach naturally when the time is right.
- Check for Signs of Infection
While most umbilical cords heal without any issues, it’s important to be aware of the signs of infection. Keep an eye out for:
• Redness or swelling around the base of the cord
• A foul-smelling discharge
• Bleeding from the stump (a little dried blood is normal, but active bleeding is not
• Fever or unusual fussiness in your baby If you notice any of these signs, contact your pediatrician right away.
- Allow the Belly Button to Heal
After the stump falls off, the area may look a little raw or have some dried blood. This is completely normal. You can continue to keep the area clean by gently wiping it with a damp cloth and allowing it to air dry. In a few days, your baby’s belly button will heal, leaving behind that adorable little “innie” or “outie”!
When to Call Your Doctor
Most umbilical cords fall off without a problem, but if you have any concerns or notice any of the warning signs mentioned above, it’s always best to consult your baby’s doctor. Your healthcare team is here to support you through this transition and answer any questions you have.
A Little Patience and Love
Watching your newborn’s belly button heal is a sweet reminder of their unique journey from the womb to the world.
Remember, every baby’s healing process is slightly different, so there’s no need to rush. Let nature take its course, and before you know it, your baby’s belly button will be fully healed, ready for those first belly-button kisses!
Have more questions about caring for your newborn? Check out our article, “10 Questions Every New Parent Has About Caring for Their Newborn.”