How To Care for A Newborn's Umbilical Cord?

After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut, leaving a wound, which requires careful care from parents to encourage the newborn's umbilical cord to dry out as soon as possible.

The following are the precautions and steps for neonatal umbilical cord care: 

Precautions for umbilical cord care: Keep dry: The broken end of the umbilical cord needs to be completely dried. It usually falls out one to three weeks after birth. 

Expose the broken end of the umbilical cord: Expose the broken end to air to help the roots dry as quickly as possible. 

Wear the diaper correctly: Fold the baby's diaper down in front of the body to avoid covering the broken umbilical cord. You can also cut a small piece of the diaper with scissors and tape the edges to keep the cord broken dry.

Do not use rubbing alcohol: Do not use rubbing alcohol on the broken end unless advised by a doctor. To remove the liquid around the broken end, gently wipe it with a wet cotton swab. 

Natural drying: Do not forcibly remove the broken end of the umbilical cord, let it fall off naturally. 

Steps to care for the umbilical cord: 

Daily cleaning: Gently wipe the stump of the umbilical cord and umbilical wheel with disinfectant gauze dipped in water. Every time you pat clean, you need a new piece of gauze. 

Wear loose clothing: Allow air to circulate near the umbilical cord. 

Prevent urine contamination: The umbilical cord should be checked every time you change a diaper. 

Observe abnormal conditions: If the umbilical wheel is red and swollen, the umbilical cord has abnormal secretions, or oozing blood and other abnormal conditions, you should report to the doctor in time and follow the doctor's advice. 

Note：Keep in mind that cord care, while simple, is very important. If something unusual happens, it is important to contact your doctor immediately to prevent the infection from spreading.