How Should The Newborn’s Umbilical Cord Be Cared For?
The umbilical cord is the baby’s way of feeding during the months that it is in its mother’s womb. When the birth occurs, the doctors in charge of the delivery cut it off. In this way, a kind of stump remains, to which a clamp is placed so that it does not bleed. How to care for the newborn’s umbilical cord?
This attachment to the baby’s body will remain attached to your belly button for at least two to three weeks. Also, once it falls off, it will take about 3 to 4 more days for healing to heal. In the meantime, parents should take care of the newborn’s umbilical cord, maintaining its hygiene.
However, this is one of the issues that arouses the most uncertainty and fear, especially in new parents. To help you in this uncertain process of becoming a parent, we offer some tips to guide you in this task.
How to take care of the newborn’s umbilical cord?
In order to maintain proper health in this important organ, which is one of the fundamental actors for the gestation of the baby, the following considerations will be helpful:
Bathing the baby before the fall of the cord
One of the questions parents ask the most is how to handle bathing the baby who still has the umbilical cord. In this sense, we must emphasize that one of the main premises for it to fall over time is that it remains dry.
Therefore, baths in bathtubs are not recommended, as they could lengthen the drying process even more. It is preferable, then, to opt for a bath with a sponge and hot water. Remember not to take too long, since, being naked, the little one can get cold.
What products to use to care for the newborn’s umbilical cord?
Many point out the convenience of cleaning the cord area with 70 degree alcohol, which is not the same as normal alcohol. This should be applied with a gauze, never with cotton, to prevent adhering remains.
The form of application consists of simply wrapping the cord with a gauze moistened in this disinfectant. An alternative to alcohol is chlorhexidine; On the other hand, iodine-based products are not recommended.
Can it be cleaned with just water?
Yes, in fact, many recommend it even more than alcohol. The reason is that it is an equally effective method to keep the area sanitized. Of course, moderate amounts should be applied, to promote drying and subsequent loss.
Baby clothes with umbilical cord
On warm days, it is advisable to leave the baby only in the diaper and a soft and light cotton shirt on top. In this way, we will favor the air flow and, therefore, the drying of the cord.
While still hanging, it is preferable to avoid one-piece suits. Also, when you diaper your baby, try to leave the navel and stump uncovered.
Can I remove it when it is about to fall?
No, this is not recommended. Although it is hanging by a thread, it is always best to let the cord fall off on its own. In addition, when it has fallen, we must continue to sanitize the area as we have been doing. Once everything is dry and healed, these special cares will be over.
Possible signs of infection in the umbilical cord
First of all, it is necessary to clarify that you should not worry if you see some blood or a yellowish liquid after the cord falls ; this is normal. However, you should take action and consult a doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:
• Redness of the skin around the cord.
• Drainage of blood or yellowish fluid from the cord or navel ; It is important to differentiate between normal bleeding and heavy bleeding, which is more than a result of diaper rash.
• If the cord looks or smells bad.
• In case the baby has a fever.
• If pink scar tissue forms —glanuloma — and does not go away after a week.
Finally, we must also pay attention to possible abnormal behaviors related to eating, resting or the child’s behavior. In addition to the aforementioned advice to take care of the newborn’s umbilical cord, we must also keep medical checks up to date.
