A child's bellybutton is always cute and fun to tickle, but it does not start out so cute when they are newborns. It starts out as an umbilical cord stump, about 1 inch long and will eventually dry out and fall off. It is important to keep the cord stump clean and dry until it falls off.
Umbilical Cord Function
The umbilical cord is used to supply oxygen and nutrients to your developing baby during pregnancy. After birth, your baby can breathe and feed on its own so the cord is no longer needed. At this time, the cord is clamped and cut. This cord does not have any nerve fibers so you or the baby will not feel this cut.
Identification
The cord stump begins a yellowish green color and changes to brown and then black before it falls off. The cord will usually fall off around two weeks after birth.
Cleaning The Cord
During the two weeks prior to the cord falling off, it is necessary to keep the area clean. Doctors previously told parents to swab the area with rubbing alcohol after diaper changes, but now, according to the Mayo Clinic, the instructions are to leave the cord alone and it will heal faster. Soap and water should be used if the cord becomes sticky or dirty. After using soap and water, dry it by fanning or placing a clean, dry cloth around it.
Bathing and Soiled Diapers
Your baby should stick to a sponge bath until the cord falls off. This will avoid getting too much water on the cord. The cord needs to remain dry so the diaper should be folded down to avoid covering the stump. Wet or soiled diapers should be quickly changed to avoid irritation.
Infection
A little crust or dried blood near the cord is normal, but if your baby develops a fever or if the cord appears red and swollen, you should contact your doctor. Other signs of infection around the cord include continuous bleeding, yellowish pus oozing or a foul-smelling discharge. Treatment from your doctor will stop the infection. As tempting as it may be to pull off the cord when it is barely hanging on, you should avoid doing this because it may lead to bleeding or infection.
