Your baby's umbilical cord stump is a funny piddling piece of skin that'south really the last link to his stay in the womb. When the umbilical cord is cut at nativity, a scrap remains yet fastened to his navel — and it'll become through a metamorphosis during your infant's early on days.

Indeed, the color and await of the stump changes from yellow-green to black and crusty as it dries up and then falls off. Frankly, it looks downright weird, even gross, but don't be intimidated. Read on for easy care tips for your infant'due south umbilical string also as what to do if you retrieve something'southward not right.

When does the umbilical cord fall off?

It may seem similar information technology'due south taking its sweet time, but the umbilical cord stump should dry up and driblet away by the time your infant is iii weeks quondam, co-ordinate to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

It'southward possible the stump will autumn away sooner, but if information technology's lingering longer than that timeframe, brand an date with the pediatrician to go it checked out.

What to do when the umbilical string falls off

Most cords dry completely and so fall off, leaving behind a cute infant belly button. You might observe a pocket-sized raw spot or a bit of claret-tinged fluid oozing out. Try not to worry — this is as well normal. But if yous find more than profuse bleeding, call the doc.

In some cases, the cord may form carmine-pink scar tissue called an umbilical granuloma, which may secrete a yellowish discharge. This should articulate up in a calendar week, simply if it doesn't, bank check in with your baby's pediatrician. An umbilical granuloma is a very treatable condition.

Umbilical cord care tips

Present, the standard practise when it comes to caring for a newborn umbilical string is to keep it dry. Skip the rubbing alcohol and other ointments, and follow these umbilical cord tips to promote expert healing:

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  • Keep it clean.If the stump gets dirty, dab it gently with a wet washcloth and and so pat the surface area with a dry fabric. (Information technology's unlikely you'll need to practise this, every bit the cord usually stays pretty clean.) Avoid using soap, which can irritate a infant's tender skin.
  • Air the stump out. Assist the base of operations dry by regularly exposing information technology to air.
  • Stick to sponge baths.Don't dunk that navel underwater for now — sponge baths are enough. Once the stump falls off, feel complimentary to breast-stroke your baby in his pint-sized tub.
  • Diaper delicately.Avoid covering the stump with the top of his diaper. Some newborn-size disposables feature a picayune notch at the waistband, or y'all can simply fold down the forepart of the diaper to keep information technology from rubbing the stump area.
  • Change diapers ofttimes. Change moisture and dirty diapers promptly so they don't leak upwards toward the navel and aggravate your baby's healing cord.
  • Apparel delicately too.Choose loose-fitting vesture that doesn't press against the stump or outfits with a special cutout for this expanse. Instead of onesies that snap at the crotch, endeavor kimono-style bodysuits, which tie on the side for more air apportionment and less rubbing.
  • Resist touching or pulling.Let the scab fall off on its own. Never pull information technology, even if information technology seems to connect by only the tiniest thread. If it gets yanked off too soon, it could first bleeding continuously. If this happens, phone call your baby'due south doctor immediately.

Infected umbilical cord or belly button

Healing belly buttons almost always look worse than they actually are, fifty-fifty when they're progressing normally. It's rare that a healing umbilical cord stump gets infected, just when it does, the condition is called omphalitis.

Sentinel for these symptoms of a newborn belly push infection, or omphalitis:

  • Ruby-red pare or a red, swollen appearance at the base of the cord
  • A fluid-filled lump on or almost your baby's umbilical cord stump
  • Oozing pus or discharge
  • Bleeding from the scab (though a little dried claret is normal)
  • Foul odor
  • Fever or lethargy
  • Low appetite
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Crying when you touch the cord or the area around it

If you lot notice any signs of infection or your baby seems to be in pain, call your pediatrician. A course of antibiotics volition get your baby'due south omphalos back to healing in no time.

Umbilical cord or omphalus bleeding

It's normal to spot a few drops of claret on your baby'due south diaper after his stump falls off, but you should monitor whatever additional umbilical cord bleeding closely. Contact your baby's doctor if a small amount of bleeding lasts for more than than three days.

If heavier bellybutton bleeding won't stop after 10 minutes of straight pressure applied ii times or if there's a claret stain that's more ii inches across, immediately telephone call or visit the pediatrician. Continuous haemorrhage or a sizable spot of claret at this very immature age (nether a calendar month) is a business and should go checked out.

Less is more than when it comes to caring for your baby's umbilical cord. If you go along the stump area dry out and you exercise your best to avert touching information technology when you lot diaper and clothes your baby, this trivial piece of leftover skin should fall off in no time at all.