How To Care For Your Newborn’s Umbilical Cord

There are many new parents who are unsure of how to care for the newborn’s umbilical cord. In this article, we will tell you what to do so that you are no longer in doubt.

Once babies are born, they no longer need the link that has kept them alive during the nine months inside the mother’s womb. But a small part of the umbilical cord stays on the newborn for several days.

How to care for your newborn’s umbilical stump

While the baby is inside its mother’s womb, the blood vessels in the umbilical cord allow the penetration of microorganisms and nutrients. When the baby is born, the umbilical cord between the mother and the baby is cut.

The small stump left on the navel is sealed and should not be removed. The stump will fall off completely by itself within 8-15 days. When this happens, it takes another week before the area is healed.

Many first-time mothers are unsure of how to care for this umbilical cord after the baby is born. And it might surprise many that there is actually no definite answer.

Some people recommend cleaning the area with alcohol, while others suggest using antiseptic cream. 

There are also those who believe that one should just leave the area completely. According to this theory, the area will heal by itself without the need for interference.

Is it okay to use products such as antiseptic cream?

Umbilical cords have the ability to spread bacteria. For this reason, doctors recommend using antiseptics to avoid infections.

But there are other doctors who claim that antiseptics are not the way to go. Instead, they recommend keeping the area completely clean and dry. The use of additional products can delay the time when the stump falls off, and there is no benefit from that.

So how do you care for a newborn’s umbilical cord? A good choice would be to use disinfectants, but without exaggerating. Most people recommend using 70% isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine, which is a clear, antiseptic liquid that helps prevent infections.

Keep in mind that the area must remain dry, protected and covered until the umbilical stump falls off.

During the baby’s first days of life, it will not need a bath. Simply wash your body with a damp cloth, avoiding the area around the navel.

Instructions for cleaning your baby’s umbilical cord

A good time to care for your newborn’s umbilical stump is during diaper changes. It is something that needs to be done several times a day. Therefore, choose a time of day when you clean the umbilical stump during diaper changes.

For this task, use gauze or bandages, 70% isopropyl alcohol or chlorhexidine. It is not recommended to use iodine or similar agents as they stain and you will not have the opportunity to observe the development of the wound.

Wash your hands thoroughly with water and neutral soap before handling gauze to be wrapped around the string. If the gauze is stuck in the stump, do not pull on it. Moisten the area with an antiseptic and then you can remove the gauze.

Instructions

Take the gauze and moisten it with the antiseptic. Gently dab the area, including the navel and the skin around it. Wipe well with another gauze.

It is important that you do not use cotton, as lint can remain. This can lead to infection or delay in the healing process.

Then place the gauze soaked in alcohol and wrap it around the string, then place a bandage on the area. Finish by washing your baby’s genital area.

Make sure you do not cover the string when giving your baby diapers on. This will give the area air. If it is summer and it is hot, you can leave your baby in a diaper to speed up the process.

If you decide to give your baby clothes to wear, make sure the clothes are made of cotton to cover the area. Make sure that the clothes do not rub against the area when your baby is breastfed or asleep. Repeat this process two to four times a day.

You should not have trouble following these instructions, but you should contact your doctor if your navel starts to bleed too much, if the bottom of the string liquefies, or if you notice a small, soft lump. If the umbilical stump has not fallen off within three weeks, also consult your doctor.