Your baby'south umbilical string stump is a funny piffling slice of pare that'south actually the terminal link to his stay in the womb. When the umbilical cord is cutting at birth, a flake remains still fastened to his navel — and it'll become through a metamorphosis during your infant'due south early days.

Indeed, the color and expect of the stump changes from yellowish-green to black and crusty as it dries up and then falls off. Frankly, information technology looks downright weird, even gross, but don't be intimidated. Read on for easy care tips for your baby's umbilical cord equally well as what to do if you think something's non right.

When does the umbilical cord autumn off?

It may seem like information technology'south taking its sweet time, only the umbilical cord stump should dry up and driblet away by the time your baby is iii weeks old, according to the American University of Pediatrics (AAP).

It'southward possible the stump will fall away sooner, but if information technology'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

Almost cords dry completely then fall off, leaving backside a cute babe bellybutton. You might discover a minor raw spot or a chip of blood-tinged fluid oozing out. Endeavour non to worry — this is likewise normal. Simply if you notice more profuse bleeding, phone call the doctor.

In some cases, the cord may form carmine-pinkish scar tissue chosen an umbilical granuloma, which may secrete a yellowish discharge. This should clear upwards in a week, but if information technology doesn't, check in with your baby's pediatrician. An umbilical granuloma is a very treatable condition.

Umbilical string intendance tips

Nowadays, the standard exercise when it comes to caring for a newborn umbilical cord is to proceed information technology dry. Skip the rubbing booze and other ointments, and follow these umbilical cord tips to promote practiced healing:

Continue Reading Below

  • Keep it clean.If the stump gets dirty, dab it gently with a moisture washcloth and then pat the area with a dry fabric. (Information technology'south unlikely you'll need to do this, as the cord usually stays pretty make clean.) Avert using soap, which tin can irritate a baby'southward tender skin.
  • Air the stump out. Help the base of operations dry by regularly exposing information technology to air.
  • Stick to sponge baths.Don't douse that navel underwater for now — sponge baths are enough. Once the stump falls off, experience free to bathe your baby in his pint-sized tub.
  • Diaper delicately.Avoid covering the stump with the summit of his diaper. Some newborn-size disposables characteristic a little notch at the waistband, or you tin can simply fold downward the front of the diaper to go along it from rubbing the stump area.
  • Change diapers oftentimes. Change wet and muddied diapers promptly so they don't leak upward toward the navel and beal your baby's healing string.
  • Wearing apparel delicately too.Choose loose-fitting clothing 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 air apportionment and less rubbing.
  • Resist touching or pulling.Let the scab fall off on its ain. Never pull information technology, even if it seems to connect by but the tiniest thread. If information technology gets yanked off too soon, it could start bleeding continuously. If this happens, call your baby'southward doctor immediately.

Infected umbilical string or belly button

Healing belly buttons almost always wait worse than they actually are, even when they're progressing normally. Information technology's rare that a healing umbilical string stump gets infected, but when it does, the condition is chosen omphalitis.

Scout for these symptoms of a newborn belly button infection, or omphalitis:

  • Crimson skin or a reddish, swollen advent at the base of the cord
  • A fluid-filled lump on or near your babe's umbilical cord stump
  • Oozing pus or discharge
  • Bleeding from the scab (though a niggling dried blood is normal)
  • Foul smell
  • Fever or lethargy
  • Low ambition
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Crying when you touch the cord or the expanse around it

If you lot find any signs of infection or your babe seems to exist in hurting, call your pediatrician. A course of antibiotics will get your baby'southward belly button back to healing in no fourth dimension.

Umbilical cord or omphalos bleeding

It's normal to spot a few drops of blood on your baby's diaper after his stump falls off, but you should monitor any additional umbilical cord haemorrhage closely. Contact your baby's doctor if a pocket-sized corporeality of bleeding lasts for more than than three days.

If heavier belly push bleeding won't terminate after ten minutes of direct pressure level practical two times or if in that location'south a blood stain that's more than 2 inches beyond, immediately telephone call or visit the pediatrician. Continuous bleeding or a sizable spot of claret at this very young historic period (under a month) is a business and should get checked out.

Less is more when it comes to caring for your baby'southward umbilical cord. If you proceed the stump expanse dry and y'all practice your best to avoid touching it when y'all diaper and dress your babe, this lilliputian piece of leftover skin should fall off in no time at all.