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Umbilical cord care: Do's and don'ts for parents
Taking care of the stump
Your baby's umbilical cord stump will change from yellowish green to brown to black as it dries out and eventually falls off — usually within about two weeks after birth. In the meantime, treat the area gently:
- Keep the stump clean. Parents were once instructed to swab the stump with rubbing alcohol after every diaper change. Researchers now say the stump might heal faster if left alone. If the stump becomes dirty or sticky, clean it with plain water — then dry it by holding a clean, absorbent cloth around the stump or fanning it with a piece of paper.
- Keep the stump dry. Expose the stump to air to help dry out the base. Keep the front of your baby's diaper folded down to avoid covering the stump. In warm weather, dress your baby in a diaper and T-shirt to improve air circulation.
- Stick with sponge baths. Sponge baths might be most practical during the healing process. When the stump falls off, you can bathe your baby in a baby tub or sink.
- Let the stump fall off on its own. Resist the temptation to pull off the stump yourself, even if it's hanging on by only a thread.
Signs of infection
During the healing process, it's normal to see a little crust or dried blood near the stump. Contact your baby's doctor if your baby develops a fever or if the umbilical area:
- Appears red and swollen around the cord
- Continues to bleed
- Oozes yellowish pus
- Produces a foul-smelling discharge
If your baby has an umbilical cord infection, prompt treatment can stop the infection from spreading.
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References
- Sullivan CK, et al. Healthy newborn discharge. In: McInerny TK, et al. American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. Elk Grove Village, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009:840.
- Palazzi DL, et al. Care of the umbilicus and management of umbilical disorders. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 9, 2011.
- The newborn infant. In: Cunningham FG, et al. Williams Obstetrics. 23rd ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=46. Accessed Nov. 9, 2011.
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