Umbilical Cord Care in Newborns: Healing Process and Proper Care

In the first days after returning home from the hospital, holding your baby is the greatest happiness in the world. However, that small umbilical cord stump on their tiny body causes anxiety and worry for many new parents. Questions like "Will it hurt if I touch it?", "How should I clean it?", "When will it fall off?" might occupy your mind.

First and foremost, take a deep breath: the drying and falling off of the umbilical cord stump is a natural process. There are no nerve endings in the dried umbilical cord stump, but the surrounding skin is sensitive; redness and pain upon touch can be signs of infection. Your main task is to support this process without interference, simply by keeping the area clean and dry. Remember that every baby is different and the healing time may vary, but the basic principles remain the same.

What is the Umbilical Cord Stump and When Does It Fall Off?

While your baby was in the womb, they received all nutrition and oxygen through the umbilical cord. Immediately after birth, this cord is cut, leaving a small stump behind. This stump no longer performs its function and will gradually dry out and separate from the body.

• How does the process work? The umbilical cord stump gradually dries, changing color from yellowish-green to dark brown or black. This is a completely normal process and indicates that the cord is drying and separating from the body.
• How many days does it take? In most babies, the umbilical cord stump falls off completely on its own within 1 to 3 weeks after birth. In some cases, this period may be slightly shorter or longer. However, if it lasts longer than 3 weeks, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

The most important principle during this process is to be patient. Nature does its work, and your task is to protect the area from external irritants and ensure its cleanliness.

Key Rules for Umbilical Cord Care: Keep it Clean and Dry

In modern pediatrics, the main motto for umbilical cord care is the principle of "keep it clean and dry." The daily use of alcohol or other antiseptic solutions, once widely practiced, is no longer recommended, as it can slow down the natural healing process and irritate the skin. However, in some specific cases, under a doctor's instruction, agents like chlorhexidine may be used.

1. Always Keep it Dry and Clean

Allowing the umbilical area to be exposed to air accelerates the drying process. If the umbilical area gets dirty or comes into contact with urine, gently wipe it with a cotton swab moistened with clean water and immediately pat it completely dry with a clean, soft cloth. Moisture can increase the risk of infection, so dryness is very important.

2. Fold the Diaper Below the Umbilicus

Fold the top edge of the baby's diaper down, away from the umbilical cord stump, so it doesn't cover it. This is important for two reasons:

• It allows the umbilical cord to air out and helps it dry.
• It prevents the diaper from rubbing against and irritating the umbilical cord, and from absorbing moisture if it comes into contact with urine.

Some newborn diapers have a special cutout for the umbilical cord for this purpose.

3. Pay Attention to Bathing

Until the umbilical cord falls off, sponge bathing (sponge bath) is a safer method than fully immersing the baby in a bathtub. This prevents the umbilical area from getting wet and reduces the risk of infection. If your doctor at discharge has not advised otherwise, prefer this method. After the cord falls off and the area is completely healed, you can comfortably bathe your baby in a tub.

4. Dress in Loose, Breathable Clothing

Dress your baby in loose-fitting clothes made of cotton material that do not constrict their body. Bodysuits or shirts should allow air circulation around the umbilical area. Tight and synthetic clothing can restrict airflow and lead to moisture accumulation, which increases the risk of infection.

What NOT to Do?

You may hear various advice from others, but for your baby's health, avoid these incorrect practices:

• ❌ Absolutely do not pull or pick: Even if the umbilical cord stump looks like it's "hanging by a thread," it should fall off on its own. Prematurely pulling it off can cause bleeding, infection, or injury to the umbilical area.
• ❌ Do not use folk remedies: Sticking coins on the umbilical cord, tightly binding it with bandages, or applying oils, herbal infusions, or other ointments sharply increases the risk of infection and can disrupt the healing process.
• ❌ Do not use antiseptics without a doctor's prescription: Unless your doctor specifically instructs you, there is no need to wipe the umbilical cord daily with alcohol or other agents.

When to Consult a Doctor?

Although umbilical cord healing usually proceeds without problems, it is vital to recognize signs of infection (omphalitis) in time. If you observe any of the following, consult a doctor immediately:

• Spreading Redness and Swelling: Redness, swelling, or warmth to the touch of the skin around the umbilical cord. If the redness spreads beyond a small spot, this is a condition requiring urgent medical attention.
• Purulent and Foul-Smelling Discharge: If yellowish-green, foul-smelling fluid (pus) comes from the umbilical cord, this is a clear sign of infection and requires immediate medical examination.
• Persistent Bleeding: A drop or two of dried blood when the cord falls off is normal. However, if you see active, fresh blood stains in the diaper or if the bleeding does not stop, consult a doctor.
• High Fever or General Discomfort: If the baby's body temperature is 38°C or higher (especially in babies younger than 3 months), if they are excessively sleepy, refuse to feed, or are very irritable, this could be a sign of a serious infection and requires urgent medical attention.
• Delayed Falling Off or Granuloma: If the umbilical cord has not fallen off after 3 weeks, consult a doctor. If a moist, pinkish-red, fleshy tissue (umbilical granuloma) remains in the umbilical area after it falls off, show it to a doctor. Do not use salt or other chemicals at home without medical advice.

Keep Related Notes in One Place with Anacan

Remembering daily details can be tiring. With Anacan's existing tools, you can record the following information and share it more clearly at your next doctor's appointment:

• Diaper records: Record the times of wet, soiled, and mixed diapers. This information can help the doctor assess feeding, but it does not diagnose dehydration or other illnesses on its own.
• Hospital bag: Use the checklist from the Hospital Bag tool and add items required by your specific hospital.
• Doctor appointments: Schedule doctor appointments and vaccination dates in the calendar. Do not wait for the next appointment date if there are urgent symptoms.

Feeding, sleep, and diaper records can be shared in the Doctor's Report. Existing access and Premium terms for tools apply. Do not delay medical assistance to write a note in the application for urgent symptoms.