Umbilical cord Care - The Do's & Dont's

Umbilical Cord Care - For Your Newborn Baby

Umbilical cord care is fairly straight forward, and won't last for long as the 'cord stump' normally dry's up falls off within the first 10 to 21 days.

The best way to deal with the cord area is to just 'leave it alone'! As the old saying goes... "If it ain't broke - Don't try and fix it!"

Full term baby umbilical cord care

The cord area should be kept clean and dry, but it doesn't need washing with soap. If you are bathing your newborn (some parents prefer to just top n tail for the first few days) Then do bath your baby in plain water - nothing added. If you are top n tailing your baby you only need to wipe the umbilical cord area if it becomes soiled. This can be done with cotton wool and plain water.

After bathing your baby, dab the cord area dry with a clean soft towel. There is no need to apply creams, moisturisers or powder to the cord area.

After putting on your baby's nappy, just fold the front down a little so it doesn't interfere or rub on the 'cord stump'. That's it, plain and simple.

Premature baby umbilical cord care

With premature or sick babies, the risk of infection to the cord area may be higher. So your midwife or care provider may suggest the use of an antiseptic cream or powder.

If not then the cord care will be the same as above for a full term, healthy baby.

Umbilical cord Infection?

If your baby's cord area becomes red, swollen or smelly,or you notice any yellowish discharge or puss, then you should seek medical advice from your midwife or health care provider. They can prescribe special creams or powders, and can also advise you of any special procedures to follow during bathing your baby.

An umbilical cord infection should be treated as soon as possible as it can spread quite quickly.

Umbilical cord care - The basics

Your baby's umbilical cord needs to dry out and fall off naturally. Do not be tempted to pull at it, or rub it, even if it looks like its only attached by a small thread of tissue.

Occasionally the cord will not fully dry out on its own, it may form a pink scar tissue, and may leak a yellowish coloured fluid. This is known as a granuloma. Sometimes your doctor may need to cauterize this tissue, but more than likely it will go away on its own.

If your baby's cord area bleeds at any time, you should seek medical advice immediately.

Some hospitals will remove the cord clamp before you and baby go home, Others won't. With both of my babies the cord clamp was left on, and after the cord fell off, I removed the cord, and kept the clamp as a keepsake! Pretty weird I know, but it preserves the memory :o)

If you have any worries at all, speak to your midwife or health visitor who will be only too happy to help.

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