Your babe's umbilical cord stump is a funny little piece of skin that'due south actually the concluding link to his stay in the womb. When the umbilical cord is cut at birth, a bit remains nevertheless fastened to his belly button — and information technology'll get through a metamorphosis during your baby'due south early days.

Indeed, the color and look of the stump changes from yellowish-green to black and crusty as it dries up then falls off. Frankly, it looks downright weird, even gross, just don't be intimidated. Read on for easy care tips for your baby's umbilical string too as what to exercise if you lot think something'due south not correct.

When does the umbilical string fall off?

It may seem similar it's taking its sweet time, but the umbilical cord stump should dry up and drop away by the time your infant is 3 weeks old, according to the American University of Pediatrics (AAP).

It's possible the stump volition fall away 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 completely and then fall off, leaving behind a beautiful babe belly button. You might notice a small raw spot or a bit of blood-tinged fluid oozing out. Try not to worry — this is also normal. Merely if you notice more profuse haemorrhage, phone call the dr..

In some cases, the string may form reddish-pink scar tissue chosen an umbilical granuloma, which may secrete a yellowish belch. This should clear upwardly in a calendar week, merely if it doesn't, check in with your baby'southward pediatrician. An umbilical granuloma is a very treatable status.

Umbilical string care tips

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

Proceed Reading Below

  • Go along it clean.If the stump gets dirty, dab information technology gently with a wet washcloth so pat the area with a dry fabric. (It's unlikely you'll need to do this, as the cord unremarkably stays pretty clean.) Avoid using soap, which tin irritate a infant'southward tender peel.
  • Air the stump out. Assistance the base dry out by regularly exposing it to air.
  • Stick to sponge baths.Don't douse that bellybutton underwater for now — 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 top of his diaper. Some newborn-size disposables feature a piffling notch at the waistband, or you can simply fold down the front of the diaper to continue it from rubbing the stump surface area.
  • Change diapers oft. Modify wet and dirty diapers promptly and so they don't leak upward toward the umbilicus and beal your baby'southward healing string.
  • Apparel delicately too.Choose loose-fitting habiliment that doesn't press against the stump or outfits with a special cutout for this area. Instead of onesies that snap at the crotch, try kimono-style bodysuits, which tie on the side for more than air circulation and less rubbing.
  • Resist touching or pulling.Let the scab fall off on its own. Never pull it, even if it seems to connect past only the tiniest thread. If it gets yanked off as well soon, it could start haemorrhage continuously. If this happens, call your baby'south doctor immediately.

Infected umbilical cord or omphalos

Healing abdomen buttons almost e'er look worse than they actually are, even when they're progressing normally. Information technology's rare that a healing umbilical cord stump gets infected, but when information technology does, the condition is called omphalitis.

Picket for these symptoms of a newborn omphalos infection, or omphalitis:

  • Ruby skin or a ruddy, swollen appearance at the base of the cord
  • A fluid-filled lump on or most your baby's umbilical cord stump
  • Oozing pus or belch
  • Bleeding from the scab (though a petty dried blood is normal)
  • Foul smell
  • Fever or lethargy
  • Low appetite
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Crying when you touch the cord or the area around it

If you detect any signs of infection or your babe seems to be in pain, call your pediatrician. A form of antibiotics will go your baby's belly button back to healing in no fourth dimension.

Umbilical string or belly push bleeding

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

If heavier belly push button bleeding won't terminate after 10 minutes of directly pressure applied two times or if there's a claret stain that's more than two inches beyond, immediately call or visit the pediatrician. Continuous haemorrhage or a sizable spot of blood at this very young age (nether a month) is a concern and should get checked out.

Less is more than when it comes to caring for your baby's umbilical cord. If yous keep the stump surface area dry and yous do your best to avoid touching it when you diaper and dress your babe, this little piece of leftover peel should fall off in no fourth dimension at all.