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Cord care
Practical information for umbilical cord care.
After the umbilical cord is cut it leaves a stump, which will gradually shrink, dry up and fall off within one to three weeks. It will change from yellowish green to brown to black as it goes through the process of healing and falling off. If you are concerned that the cord is taking too long to fall off then seek advice from a health professional.
While it is healing, the cord needs to be treated gently and kept clean and dry. To keep the cord dry, give your baby sponge baths, rather than submerging her in a bath, and keep the diaper below the cord stump.
If the stump gets dirty, simply clean around the cord with a little clean water and soap, using a cotton ball or cotton swab, then dry thoroughly. Researchers have discovered that cleaning with alcohol may actually delay healing. The cord stump is not sensitive to pain, but the area around it on the skin is, so again, keep the diaper below the cord stump. Be aware of waistbands on pants that may rub on the stump -- loose clothing is best. If the temperature allows you may wish to expose the stump to air several times a day to keep it dry and aid healing.
When the cord becomes ready to separate and fall off, a few drops of blood may be noticeable, just keep the area dry and exposed to the air. Allow the cord to fall off naturally -- if the cord is pulled or knocked off too soon this may cause active bleeding. If the cord is actively bleeding (every time you wipe the blood away more appears), call your baby’s doctor immediately.
Sometimes, instead of completely drying, the cord will form a granuloma, which is pink scar tissue. This granuloma drains a light-yellowish fluid. This condition will usually go away in about a week, but it is best to check with your health professional if think your baby has a granuloma.
Tip: Always wash your hands before and after cleaning your baby’s umbilical cord.
By Dr. Olson Huff - Editor of Caring for your newborn: How to enjoy the first 60 days as a new mom
While it is healing, the cord needs to be treated gently and kept clean and dry. To keep the cord dry, give your baby sponge baths, rather than submerging her in a bath, and keep the diaper below the cord stump.
If the stump gets dirty, simply clean around the cord with a little clean water and soap, using a cotton ball or cotton swab, then dry thoroughly. Researchers have discovered that cleaning with alcohol may actually delay healing. The cord stump is not sensitive to pain, but the area around it on the skin is, so again, keep the diaper below the cord stump. Be aware of waistbands on pants that may rub on the stump -- loose clothing is best. If the temperature allows you may wish to expose the stump to air several times a day to keep it dry and aid healing.
When the cord becomes ready to separate and fall off, a few drops of blood may be noticeable, just keep the area dry and exposed to the air. Allow the cord to fall off naturally -- if the cord is pulled or knocked off too soon this may cause active bleeding. If the cord is actively bleeding (every time you wipe the blood away more appears), call your baby’s doctor immediately.
Sometimes, instead of completely drying, the cord will form a granuloma, which is pink scar tissue. This granuloma drains a light-yellowish fluid. This condition will usually go away in about a week, but it is best to check with your health professional if think your baby has a granuloma.
Signs of infection
- Reddened skin around the base of the cord.
- Pus around the base of the cord.
Tip: Always wash your hands before and after cleaning your baby’s umbilical cord.
By Dr. Olson Huff - Editor of Caring for your newborn: How to enjoy the first 60 days as a new mom
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