Your infant'southward umbilical cord stump is a funny little slice of skin that's actually the last link to his stay in the womb. When the umbilical cord is cutting at nativity, a bit remains notwithstanding attached to his omphalos — and information technology'll go through a metamorphosis during your babe's early days.

Indeed, the colour and expect of the stump changes from yellowish-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 piece of cake care tips for your infant's umbilical cord as well as what to practise if you think something'southward non right.

When does the umbilical cord fall off?

It may seem like it'due south taking its sweet time, merely the umbilical cord stump should dry upwards and drop away by the time your baby is 3 weeks former, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

It's possible the stump volition autumn abroad sooner, only if it's lingering longer than that timeframe, make an appointment with the pediatrician to get it checked out.

What to do when the umbilical cord falls off

Most cords dry out completely and and so fall off, leaving behind a cute baby abdomen button. You might notice a small raw spot or a bit of blood-tinged fluid oozing out. Attempt non to worry — this is also normal. Merely if you discover more profuse bleeding, call the dr..

In some cases, the cord may form ruby-red-pink scar tissue called an umbilical granuloma, which may secrete a yellowish discharge. This should clear up in a calendar week, but if it doesn't, check in with your baby'due south pediatrician. An umbilical granuloma is a very treatable condition.

Umbilical string care tips

Nowadays, the standard practice when information technology comes to caring for a newborn umbilical cord is to keep information technology dry. Skip the rubbing alcohol and other ointments, and follow these umbilical string tips to promote good healing:

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  • Proceed information technology clean.If the stump gets muddy, dab it gently with a wet washcloth and then pat the area with a dry cloth. (Information technology's unlikely you'll need to practice this, as the cord commonly stays pretty clean.) Avert using soap, which can irritate a baby's tender peel.
  • Air the stump out. Help the base dry out by regularly exposing it to air.
  • Stick to sponge baths.Don't dunk that navel underwater for now — sponge baths are enough. Once the stump falls off, experience gratuitous 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 little notch at the waistband, or you can simply fold downward the front of the diaper to proceed it from rubbing the stump area.
  • Change diapers frequently. Modify wet and dirty diapers promptly and then they don't leak upward toward the bellybutton and aggravate your baby'due south healing cord.
  • Apparel delicately also.Choose loose-plumbing fixtures wearable that doesn't press against the stump or outfits with a special cutout for this surface area. Instead of onesies that snap at the crotch, try kimono-manner bodysuits, which tie on the side for more than air circulation and less rubbing.
  • Resist touching or pulling.Allow the scab autumn off on its own. Never pull it, even if information technology seems to connect by only the tiniest thread. If it gets yanked off too shortly, it could start bleeding continuously. If this happens, phone call your babe's physician immediately.

Infected umbilical cord or umbilicus

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

Watch for these symptoms of a newborn belly button infection, or omphalitis:

  • Reddish skin or a ruby-red, swollen appearance at the base of the cord
  • A fluid-filled lump on or near your infant'due south umbilical cord stump
  • Oozing pus or belch
  • Bleeding from the scab (though a little dried claret is normal)
  • Foul smell
  • Fever or lethargy
  • Low ambition
  • Intestinal swelling
  • Crying when you lot bear upon the cord or the surface area around it

If you notice any signs of infection or your babe seems to exist in pain, call your pediatrician. A grade of antibiotics volition become your baby's belly button back to healing in no time.

Umbilical cord or belly button haemorrhage

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

If heavier omphalus bleeding won't end after 10 minutes of direct pressure practical two times or if there's a blood stain that'due south more than 2 inches across, immediately call or visit the pediatrician. Continuous bleeding or a sizable spot of blood at this very young age (under a month) is a concern and should get checked out.

Less is more when it comes to caring for your baby's umbilical cord. If you go along the stump area dry out and you lot do your best to avoid touching it when you diaper and dress your baby, this little piece of leftover pare should fall off in no time at all.