After your baby is born, there is a small umbilical stump that is usually 12 to 1 inch long.The newborn's stump falls off after a few weeks.It is important to keep your baby's umbilical stump clean and dry to prevent infections.If the cord stump falls off on its own, you can clean it with plain water.
Step 1: You should wash your hands before touching the stump.
Before and after touching your baby's cord stump, wash your hands.For at least 30 seconds, lather your hands with warm to hot water and antibacterial soap.If you want to dry your hands, use a clean towel or let them air dry.
Step 2: Give your baby a bath.
Don't submerging your baby's belly button in water until the stump falls off.If your baby gets dirty from urine or poo, you should give them a sponge bath and clean the stump every time.On the changing station, put your baby on their back.You don't need to worry about washing the stump because you should leave it alone as much as possible.
Step 3: You can use plain water.
Warm water is needed to fill a bowl.Before you use it on your baby, make sure the temperature on the skin of your wrist is not too warm.It should be warm.
Step 4: From the bottom to the top, wring the stump.
There is a cotton swab in the water.The stump should be wiped at the base and up to the top.When you return to the cord's base, use a fresh cotton swab.
Step 5: The stump should be dry but not completely.
It is important to dry the area well.Either fan the area with a piece of paper or a cloth until it is dry, or hold a clean cloth around the stump to dry it.The stump needs to be dry.Don't rub it.The stump should be exposed to air until it is dry.
Step 6: The stump should get a lot of air.
Keep your baby's stump exposed to air so it heals faster.Cut a notch in the top of the diaper around the stump to fold it down.There is a pre-cut notch for the cord stump in some brands of newborn diapers.In warm weather, dress your baby in light clothing.Air circulation and better drying can be achieved with loose-fitting clothes.
Step 7: Look for signs of an illness.
When the stump falls off, it is normal to see dried blood or a white or yellow crust around it.You should look for signs that the stump is sick when you bathe your baby.Take your baby to the doctor immediately if there are any signs of infections.There is a sticky white, yellow, or green gunk oozing from or near the cord.
Step 8: Don't pull the stump.
Depending on the baby, how long it takes the cord stump to fall off will be different.Don't pull the cord if it looks like it will fall off.It is safer to let the stump fall off.It is normal for the cord stump to change color as it dries.If your baby was premature, the stump might take longer to fall off.If the cord doesn't fall off after 21 days, take your baby to the doctor.
Step 9: The rubbing alcohol should not be used.
Parents used to clean the baby's stump with rubbing alcohol, but now standard practice is to skip the alcohol.It may help the baby's stump to heal more quickly, and their skin is less likely to get dry.
Step 10: Ask your doctor if you should use alternate products.
The Goldenseal root is used in the cleaning process.Talk to your baby's doctor first if you want to use any products to clean his stump.If it is approved by your doctor, you can use another product if you want to.
Step 11: After the cord falls off, keep your baby's belly button clean.
If you take proper precautions, you can bathe your baby in a tub after the cord falls off.When cleaning your baby's belly button, continue to be gentle.Don't leave your baby in the bath.