Umbilical Cord Care
The Role of the Umbilical Cord After Birth
During pregnancy, the umbilical cord gives a baby everything it needs: food, oxygen, and nutrients. Right after birth, someone clamps and cuts the cord to separate the baby from the placenta. This leaves a small piece, called the umbilical cord stump, attached to the baby’s belly button.
The stump’s only job now is to heal and eventually fall off, usually within the first two weeks of life. Parents need to care for the area gently to avoid problems like infection or irritation.
How to Care for the Healing Belly Button
Caring for the umbilical cord stump helps it heal and prevents complications. Here are some clear do’s and don’ts for parents and caregivers:
Do’s
- Keep the stump dry. This helps the cord stump dry up and drop off naturally. Let air reach the area whenever possible.
- Fold the diaper below the stump. This prevents the diaper from rubbing against the healing area. Some diapers come with a notch for this, or a corner can be folded down or trimmed.
- Give sponge baths. Use a warm, damp cloth to wipe the baby instead of soaking in a tub. If the stump gets a little wet, dry it afterward.
- Clean up any fluids. If you see clear or lightly bloody liquid around the stump, gently clean it with a cotton swab and pat dry with a clean cloth.
- Clean off stool right away. If poop gets on the stump, carefully wash the area with mild soap and water, then dry and leave it open to the air.
Don’ts
- Don’t pull the stump off. Let it fall off on its own, even if it looks like it’s barely hanging on.
- Don’t use rubbing alcohol unless told to by a professional. Most experts, including those at Healthnile, now recommend leaving the stump alone.
- Don’t cover the stump with tight clothing or diapers. Tightness can irritate the healing area.
- Don’t use powder, lotion, or ointment on the cord stump. These products can keep it from drying out or cause irritation.
Below is a quick reference table for parents:
| Action | Do or Don’t | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keep cord exposed to air. | Do. | Helps dry and heal cord stump. |
| Fold diaper away from stump. | Do. | Reduces rubbing and irritation. |
| Give sponge baths. | Do. | Easier to keep stump dry. |
| Clean fluids or stool from stump. | Do. | Prevents infection. |
| Use rubbing alcohol. | Don’t (unless advised). | May slow healing. |
| Pull off the stump. | Don’t. | Risk of bleeding or infection. |
| Put powders/lotions on stump. | Don’t. | May cause irritation. |
Extra Tips
If bleeding happens, gently apply light pressure with a soft, clean cloth. Small amounts of blood are common when the stump is falling off or if it gets bumped. The normal process goes like this:
- At first, the stump is yellowish-green.
- Over time, it turns brown or black as it dries out.
- It usually falls off by itself in 1–3 weeks.
- The belly button may have a small scab or bit of moisture as it heals.
If you see any fluid, just wipe it away gently.
When to Contact a Healthcare Professional
Certain symptoms mean your baby should see a healthcare professional soon. Watching for these issues helps catch problems early. Contact a healthcare provider if:
- The stump’s bleeding gets worse, won’t stop, or new bleeding happens after three days.
- The area around the cord is red, swollen, or warmer than the rest of the belly.
- You see thick, yellow pus or the stump smells bad.
- The baby has a fever, looks very tired, is feeding poorly, or seems extra fussy.
- The cord stump has not fallen off by three weeks.
These symptoms could mean there’s an umbilical cord infection or another problem such as a small growth near the navel. Both need attention to prevent the infection from spreading or causing serious illness. Umbilical cord infections are rare but can be serious.
Other conditions such as an umbilical hernia (when the belly button sticks out more than normal), or delayed cord separation, may also need attention. Red flags to watch for:
- Oozing yellow or green fluid
- Spreading redness across the belly
- Increasing swelling around the stump
- Soft, bulging tissue under the belly button
- Persistent or heavy bleeding
If you’re worried for any reason, call a healthcare provider or pediatrician and ask questions. Early care helps prevent bigger health issues and keeps your baby’s healing on track. It’s always best to err on the side of caution. If you notice anything unusual, get medical advice as soon as possible.
