Baby Umbilical Cord Care
Your babyâs umbilical cord area should heal in about 7 to 10 days. Learn how to care for your newbornâs umbilical cord to prevent infection until then.
How to Clean Babyâs Umbilical Cord
Donât be afraid to clean your newbornâs umbilical cord. Be sure that you have washed your hands before handling the cord. If the umbilical cord becomes soiled with urine or feces, you should clean the area when you change your babyâs diaper. To clean the cord safely, take a cotton swab, cotton square or cotton round and clean around the base of the umbilical cord with clean water.
Remember to avoid covering the cord with the diaper, because the cord area should be kept dry and clean at all times. If the diaper is too high, fold it down on your baby before securing. You can also buy special newborn diapers that have a space cut-out for the umbilical cord.
Warning Signs of Umbilical Cord Infection
- Appears red or swollen in the surrounding area
- Has a strong odor
- Is streaked with red around the navel, or is discharging fluid.
While itâs normal for a few drops of blood to appear when the stump separates, if you notice any of these signs of infection, call your babyâs pediatrician.