Your baby'due south umbilical cord stump is a funny little piece of skin that's actually the final link to his stay in the womb. When the umbilical string is cut at birth, a bit remains still attached to his belly button — and it'll become through a metamorphosis during your baby's early days.

Indeed, the colour and wait of the stump changes from yellowish-green to blackness and crusty as information technology dries up and so falls off. Frankly, it looks downright weird, even gross, but don't be intimidated. Read on for piece of cake care tips for your baby's umbilical string besides every bit what to do if you think something's non right.

When does the umbilical cord fall off?

It may seem like it's taking its sugariness fourth dimension, but the umbilical cord stump should dry up and drop abroad by the time your baby is three weeks old, co-ordinate to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

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

What to do when the umbilical cord falls off

Almost cords dry completely and then autumn off, leaving behind a cute baby bellybutton. You lot might observe a small-scale raw spot or a bit of blood-tinged fluid oozing out. Try not to worry — this is also normal. But if you discover more than profuse haemorrhage, call the doctor.

In some cases, the string may grade reddish-pink scar tissue called an umbilical granuloma, which may secrete a yellowish discharge. This should clear upwards in a week, but if it doesn't, cheque in with your baby's pediatrician. An umbilical granuloma is a very treatable condition.

Umbilical string intendance tips

Nowadays, the standard do when information technology comes to caring for a newborn umbilical cord is to continue it dry out. Skip the rubbing alcohol and other ointments, and follow these umbilical string tips to promote proficient healing:

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  • Keep it clean.If the stump gets dirty, dab it gently with a wet washcloth and then pat the area with a dry out material. (It's unlikely you'll need to exercise this, as the cord usually stays pretty clean.) Avoid using soap, which can irritate a baby's tender skin.
  • Air the stump out. Help the base dry out by regularly exposing it to air.
  • Stick to sponge baths.Don't douse that bellybutton underwater for at present — sponge baths are enough. Once the stump falls off, feel free to bathe your baby in his pint-sized tub.
  • Diaper delicately.Avoid covering the stump with the peak of his diaper. Some newborn-size disposables feature a little notch at the waistband, or you tin can simply fold downward the front of the diaper to go along information technology from rubbing the stump area.
  • Change diapers oft. Change moisture and dirty diapers promptly and so they don't leak upwards toward the bellybutton and aggravate your infant's healing cord.
  • Dress delicately too.Choose loose-fitting clothing that doesn't printing 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 air circulation and less rubbing.
  • Resist touching or pulling.Allow the scab autumn off on its own. Never pull it, fifty-fifty if it seems to connect by simply the tiniest thread. If it gets yanked off also soon, it could outset bleeding continuously. If this happens, call your baby's doctor immediately.

Infected umbilical cord or belly button

Healing belly buttons almost always await worse than they actually are, even when they're progressing unremarkably. It's rare that a healing umbilical cord stump gets infected, merely when it does, the condition is called omphalitis.

Spotter for these symptoms of a newborn umbilicus infection, or omphalitis:

  • Red pare or a red, swollen advent at the base of the cord
  • A fluid-filled lump on or near your baby'southward umbilical string stump
  • Oozing pus or discharge
  • Bleeding from the scab (though a petty dried blood is normal)
  • Foul smell
  • Fever or lethargy
  • Depression appetite
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Crying when you touch on the string or the area around information technology

If you notice any signs of infection or your baby seems to exist in pain, phone call your pediatrician. A course of antibiotics will get your baby'due south omphalus dorsum to healing in no time.

Umbilical string or abdomen button bleeding

It's normal to spot a few drops of claret on your baby'southward diaper after his stump falls off, only you lot should monitor whatsoever additional umbilical string bleeding closely. Contact your baby's md if a small-scale amount of bleeding lasts for more than than three days.

If heavier navel bleeding won't end after 10 minutes of direct pressure level applied ii times or if there'due south a blood stain that's more than than two 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 infant's umbilical cord. If you keep the stump surface area dry and you do your all-time to avoid touching it when you diaper and dress your babe, this niggling piece of leftover peel should fall off in no time at all.