Your baby's umbilical string stump is a funny petty piece of peel that's actually the last link to his stay in the womb. When the umbilical cord is cut at birth, a bit remains still attached to his navel — and it'll become through a metamorphosis during your baby's early days.

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

When does the umbilical cord fall off?

It may seem like it'south taking its sweet time, but the umbilical string stump should dry upwardly and drib away by the time your baby is 3 weeks former, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

It's possible the stump volition fall away sooner, simply if it's lingering longer than that timeframe, brand an appointment with the pediatrician to get it checked out.

What to do when the umbilical cord falls off

Most cords dry completely and then fall off, leaving behind a cute infant belly button. You lot might find a pocket-size raw spot or a chip of claret-tinged fluid oozing out. Endeavour not to worry — this is too normal. Just if yous notice more than profuse bleeding, phone call the doctor.

In some cases, the cord may form reddish-pink scar tissue called an umbilical granuloma, which may secrete a yellowish discharge. This should clear upwardly in a week, simply if it doesn't, cheque in with your babe's pediatrician. An umbilical granuloma is a very treatable condition.

Umbilical cord care tips

Nowadays, the standard practice when it comes to caring for a newborn umbilical string is to keep it dry. Skip the rubbing alcohol and other ointments, and follow these umbilical cord tips to promote good healing:

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  • Keep information technology clean.If the stump gets dingy, dab it gently with a wet washcloth and so pat the area with a dry out cloth. (It's unlikely y'all'll need to do this, every bit the string usually stays pretty make clean.) Avoid using lather, which can irritate a infant's tender pare.
  • Air the stump out. Assistance the base dry by regularly exposing information technology to air.
  • Stick to sponge baths.Don't dunk that omphalos underwater for now — sponge baths are enough. In one case the stump falls off, feel complimentary to bathe your babe in his pint-sized tub.
  • Diaper delicately.Avert roofing the stump with the tiptop of his diaper. Some newborn-size disposables feature a little notch at the waistband, or you can just fold down the front of the diaper to keep information technology from rubbing the stump area.
  • Change diapers frequently. Change wet and dirty diapers promptly so they don't leak upward toward the navel and aggravate your baby'due south healing string.
  • Clothes delicately too.Choose loose-plumbing equipment clothing that doesn't printing against the stump or outfits with a special cutout for this area. Instead of onesies that snap at the crotch, endeavor kimono-style bodysuits, which tie on the side for more air circulation and less rubbing.
  • Resist touching or pulling.Permit the scab autumn off on its own. Never pull it, even if it seems to connect by but the tiniest thread. If it gets yanked off too soon, information technology could start bleeding continuously. If this happens, phone call your baby'due south doctor immediately.

Infected umbilical cord or bellybutton

Healing abdomen buttons almost always expect worse than they actually are, even when they're progressing normally. It'due south rare that a healing umbilical cord stump gets infected, merely when it does, the condition is called omphalitis.

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

  • Red skin or a cherry, swollen appearance at the base of the cord
  • A fluid-filled lump on or almost your baby's umbilical cord stump
  • Oozing pus or belch
  • Bleeding from the scab (though a little stale claret is normal)
  • Foul smell
  • Fever or lethargy
  • Low appetite
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Crying when you touch on the string or the surface area effectually it

If you notice any signs of infection or your baby seems to be in hurting, phone call your pediatrician. A class of antibiotics will get your baby'due south omphalus back to healing in no fourth dimension.

Umbilical string or belly button bleeding

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

If heavier abdomen push bleeding won't finish after 10 minutes of directly pressure applied ii times or if there's a blood stain that'south more than than two inches across, immediately call or visit the pediatrician. Continuous haemorrhage or a sizable spot of blood at this very immature historic period (nether a month) is a concern and should get checked out.

Less is more when it comes to caring for your baby's umbilical cord. If you keep the stump area dry and y'all do your best to avoid touching it when you diaper and apparel your baby, this niggling slice of leftover skin should autumn off in no time at all.