Newborn Umbilical Cord Care: Complete Guide Until It Falls Off
How should you care for your newborn's umbilical cord? From cleaning to care after it falls off, here's everything you need to know.
What is the Umbilical Cord?
The umbilical cord connected your baby to the placenta during pregnancy, providing nutrients and oxygen. After birth, it's clamped and cut, leaving the umbilical stump.
Note: Current guidelines recommend dry care - keeping it clean and dry without special antiseptics.
When Does It Fall Off?
| Time | Condition |
|---|---|
| At birth | Moist, yellowish/greenish |
| 1-2 days | Starts drying, darkens |
| 3-7 days | Becomes hard and black |
| 7-21 days | Usually falls off |
| After 3 weeks | Consult if still attached |
Average is 10-14 days, but up to 3 weeks is normal.
How to Care for the Umbilical Cord
Basic Principle: Keep It Dry
Current Recommendations (WHO):
- No special antiseptic needed
- Keep clean and dry
- Let it fall off naturally
Daily Care
1. During Bathing
- Avoid tub baths until cord falls off
- Use sponge baths
- If wet, pat dry with clean gauze
- No hairdryers (burn risk)
2. Diapering
- Fold diaper below the cord
- Don't cover the cord with diaper
- Keep urine/stool away
3. Dressing
- Choose loose clothing
- Avoid pressure on cord area
When to See a Doctor
🚨 Seek Immediate Care For:
Signs of Infection (Omphalitis):
- Red, swollen skin around the cord
- Yellow/green pus-like discharge
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Fever (over 100.4°F)
- Baby seems unwell or won't eat
Umbilical Granuloma:
- Pink, moist tissue after cord falls off
- (Usually minor, treatable in office)
FAQ
Q: The cord hasn't fallen off after 3 weeks. A: Up to 4 weeks can be normal, but consult your pediatrician. Rarely, it may indicate immune issues.
Q: Can I pull off the cord? A: Never! This risks bleeding and infection. Wait for it to fall off naturally.
Q: There's bleeding after it fell off. A: A few drops of blood is normal. Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze. If bleeding continues, see your doctor.
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