If you have just had your first child, you probably have questions about caring for their umbilical cord, such as:
How to care for it
How to keep it dry until it falls off
How to recognize if it's infected or when to seek medical attention.
What is the umbilical cord, and when does it detach?
The umbilical cord's function is to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the baby while they are in the mother's womb. It is typically cut soon after birth, and a clamp is placed on the end. The baby's umbilical cord does not contain nerves, so the baby doesn't feel any pain during this process.
In Switzerland, childbirth is always overseen by a neonatologist, who can provide guidance on newborn care, including how to care for the umbilical cord in the first few days.
Once the umbilical cord detaches, the skin that it covered should have healed. However, it's possible that the skin may still be slightly red or oozing. Continue to keep the baby's umbilical area dry and clean, and it should return to normal soon. If it doesn't fully heal within two weeks after it falls off, consult your pediatrician.
Can you wet the umbilical cord of a newborn?
Moisture can irritate the delicate skin around the umbilical cord. Excess moisture can promote the growth of bacteria and potential infection. To bathe your baby, use a sponge or a cotton washcloth, and avoid submerging them in a bath. After the bath, pat your baby's body dry gently to keep the skin around the umbilical cord adequately moisturized.
Avoid the diaper coming into contact with the umbilical cord. If it's not possible, you can trim the diaper around the cord area with scissors before putting it on the baby. Also, protect the sensitive skin around the cord from contact with skin irritants such as urine. Dressing the baby in a loose cotton shirt instead of tight clothing can help the skin around the umbilical cord breathe and facilitate faster healing.
To bathe your baby, start by preparing the necessary equipment
such as a basin with warm water
washcloth
baby soap
wipes
wet wipes
clean diapers
fresh clothes
Place the baby on a flat, soft surface, and make sure never to leave them unattended during the bath. If they are elevated, like on a changing table, always keep one hand on their stomach.
Cover the baby with a towel to prevent them from getting cold, leaving only the parts of the body you are washing exposed. Start with the face, using a washcloth without soap to avoid getting it in their eyes. Then add soap to the water and gently clean the rest of their body, paying special attention to the folds of skin around the neck, ears, and genitals.
Follow the instructions mentioned above for the umbilical cord area. You can clean it with a cotton swab or a damp cotton ball, being careful not to wet the actual umbilical cord.
How to tell if your baby's umbilical cord is infected?
Infection of your baby's umbilical cord is unlikely. However, if you notice any of the following signs of infection, consult your pediatrician:
Yellowish, foul-smelling discharge from the umbilical cord
Red discoloration of the skin around the umbilical cord
Swelling in the area around the belly button
If your baby cries or is sensitive when you touch their umbilical cord, indicating irritation.
Umbilical Cord Issues
There are two conditions related to the umbilical cord or belly button. If you believe your baby has symptoms of either of these conditions, consult your healthcare provider:
Umbilical Granuloma
After your baby's umbilical cord detaches, you may notice a small, reddish, moist lump or nodule near their belly button. This lump may slightly increase in size and ooze. It will likely resolve on its own in about a week, but if it doesn't, your healthcare provider can remove it.
Umbilical Hernia
If you notice your baby's belly button protruding when they cry, they may have an umbilical hernia. This is a small opening in the abdominal wall that allows tissue to bulge when pressure is applied, such as when the baby cries. Umbilical hernias typically heal between 12 and 18 months of age.
