Sometimes it can be tricky if this is your first baby. You bring your bundle of joy home from the hospital - that’s life changing enough as it is - but now you also have to care and look out for their umbilical cord stump.
Not sure how to do that? No problem, here’s some advice.
How Long Does It Take To Fall Off?
Your little one’s umbilical cord stump will stay on anywhere from 10 to 21 days after they’re born.
Some might fall off sooner rather than later, but rest assured that it will fall off and heal on its own.
Does It Require Special Care?
Sure it does, just like your newborn does as well.
You’ll want to be sure that you keep your baby’s umbilical cord stump clean, dry, and free of their diaper so to not snag it.
Nowadays, there’s newborn diapers that actually have a small cut out area to help keep baby’s diaper free of their stump while it’s drying up. You can choose to buy those diapers or you can also just fold down the top of a regular newborn diaper as well.
When Should I Be Worried?
In many cases, there’s nothing to worry about when it comes to your baby’s umbilical cord stump.
Nature will take over and the air and time will easily allow for the stump to fall off on its own. Once that happens, your baby’s body will heal the hole on its own into what we’ve come to know as our belly buttons.
But sometimes, in certain instances, infection can occur to your baby’s umbilical cord stump.
You’ll know something’s not right because the area will be red, slightly swollen, and may exude a puss-like substance.
If that is the case, then it’s time to call your baby’s pediatrician right away and bring your baby in to be seen.
They will recommend treatment or medication for healing the infection and then the cord will fall off once it’s ready.
* While your baby’s cord is healing, try to keep them in loose fitting clothing so that nothing snags on their stump. * It’s also recommended that you never attempt to pull off the cord on your own. Let your baby’s body heal the area first - have patience and allow the cord to fall off when it’s ready.