As a new parent, you’re probably wondering how to take care of your baby’s umbilical cord. Should you clean it? How often? What about the stump?
Here are the dos and don’ts of umbilical cord care for parents.
Why is Umbilical Cord Care Important?
Your baby’s umbilical cord is vital to their development in the early weeks and months. It’s how they get the essential nutrients they need to grow and thrive.
That’s why it’s so important to properly take care of the umbilical cord. Here are the dos and don’ts:
Do:
- Keep the cord clean and dry.
- Apply pressure if the cord starts to bleed.
- Use a cotton swab to apply petroleum jelly to the cord stump.
Don’t:
- Put anything besides petroleum jellies, such as alcohol or vinegar, on the cord.
- Twist or pull on the cord.
- Let the baby swim until the cord falls off.
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What are the Dos of Umbilical Cord Care?
Now that you know the basics of umbilical cord care, it’s time to review the dos.
The most important thing is to keep the area clean and dry. You can do this by gently washing the cord and the surrounding area with soap and water. Make sure to dry it off afterward using a soft towel.
Another important thing is to keep an eye on the cord stump. If it gets wet or dirty, clean it off as soon as possible. And if you see any redness, swelling, or drainage, contact your doctor immediately.
Last but not least, give your baby lots of love! Caring for a new baby can be hard work, but it’s worth it.
What are the Don’ts of Umbilical Cord Care?
As a new parent, you’re probably wondering what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to your baby’s umbilical cord stump. Here are the don’ts of umbilical cord care:
- Don’t submerge the umbilical cord stump in water.
- Don’t use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on the cord stump.
- Don’t put anything on the cord stump except a dry, clean bandage.
That’s it! Follow these simple guidelines, and your baby’s umbilical cord will heal up fine.
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How Long Does Umbilical Cord Care Take?
The umbilical cord stump takes about a week to dry and fall off. During that time, you’ll need to keep it clean and dry.
Here are the dos and don’ts of umbilical cord care:
- Do keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry.
- Don’t soak it in water.
- Don’t let it get wet in the rain.
- Don’t let it touch anything dirty.
- Do put a bandaid over the umbilical cord stump to keep it clean.
- Do change the bandaid every day.
- Don’t pull off the bandaid yourself – let your pediatrician do it at your next appointment.
What if There is a Problem with the Umbilical Cord?
If you’re worried about your baby’s umbilical cord, don’t be! Most of the time, everything goes according to plan. But there are a few things you should be aware of in case of a problem.
In most cases, the umbilical cord will dry up and fall off on its own within two weeks. But if it doesn’t, or you see any discharge or redness around the cord, give your pediatrician a call. They may want to look and ensure everything is healing correctly.
If the umbilical cord is not healing correctly, your doctor may suggest using an ointment or cream to help speed up the healing process. And if that doesn’t work, they may need to perform minor surgery to remove the umbilical cord.
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When Should I Call the Pediatrician?
If you’re a new parent, you may wonder when you should call the pediatrician about your baby’s umbilical cord.
Generally speaking, you should call your pediatrician if:
- The cord is oozing pus or blood
- The cord is red and swollen
- The cord smells bad
- You’re not sure how to care for the cord
What is an Umbilical Cord?
An umbilical cord is a cord that connects a baby to its mother’s womb. It’s a thick, rope-like cord that contains two arteries and one vein. The vein carries oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to the baby, and the arteries carry carbon dioxide and waste away from the baby.
The umbilical cord is cut shortly after birth, and the stump— the remaining portion of the cord— usually falls off within ten days. Until it does, it’s essential to keep the area clean and dry.
What Happens When the Stump Comes Off?
You’re probably wondering what happens when the stump comes off. It’s a big moment!
Here’s what to expect: The first few days after the stump falls off, your baby’s umbilical cord will be slightly red and swollen. It is normal. You can clean the area with mild soap and water and apply petroleum jelly to moisten the site.
Your baby’s umbilical cord will eventually dry up and fall off on its own. This usually happens within two to four weeks after birth. Don’t worry if the cord doesn’t fall off on time— it’s not a big deal. You’re good to go if the stump is healing well and there’s no sign of infection.
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Conclusion
When it comes to umbilical cord care, you want to ensure you’re doing everything right to ensure a healthy, happy baby. Here are the dos and don’ts of umbilical cord care:
- DO make sure to keep the area clean and dry.
- DO replace the bandage as needed, but at least once a day.
- DO apply a topical ointment or zinc oxide cream as directed by your pediatrician.
- Don’t use soap or alcohol on the umbilical cord.
- Don’t submerge the umbilical cord in water.
- Don’t pull on the umbilical cord
