Umbilical cord care for newborns, step by step

April 7, 2021 Manuel Fernández

During pregnancy, the umbilical cord is the channel through which you gave your baby everything they needed to grow and develop. But after the baby's birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and then cut, and it heals over afterwards. During this process it is very important to look after it properly, so that it does not become infected. That is why the midwives at Happymami have written this post for you, with everything you need to know about umbilical cord care.

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Umbilical cord care, a guide

How do you care for the umbilical cord?

Over time, many different products have been recommended for umbilical cord care. From topical antiseptic solutions (chlorhexidine 4%, 70° alcohol, silver sulfadiazine, etc.) to topical antibiotics (bacitracin, mupirocin).

At present, the recommendation for your baby's umbilical cord care is based on correct hygiene with water and soap, followed by proper drying. For its care, the AEPED advises:

Wash your hands before caring for the umbilical cord.
Clean the area around the umbilical cord with warm water and a mild soap. Then dry it well.
You can help keep the umbilical cord dry by wrapping it in a clean, dry piece of gauze, changing the gauze with every nappy change.
Change your baby's nappies frequently.

Using topical antiseptic or antibiotic solutions can delay the umbilical cord from falling off. This is because it interferes with the normal healing process. They should therefore only be used when these measures are not enough.

Umbilical cord bleeding

Parents often see the paediatrician because of bleeding of the umbilical cord. You should see your paediatrician if the bleeding is heavy, but bear in mind that a small amount of bleeding is often normal when the umbilical cord falls off or rubs against the nappy.

Umbilical cord warning signs

During this stage there will be signs you should bear in mind, and which are reasons to see the paediatrician, such as:

Redness or swelling of the navel area.
Umbilical cord that is moist with smelly yellow discharge.
Bleeding at the umbilical cord.
Delay in the umbilical cord falling off after 15 days of life.

When does the umbilical cord fall off?

The umbilical cord normally falls off between day 5 and day 15 of your baby's life. When your baby's umbilical cord falls off, between 0.5 and 1 cm will stick out. This is normal, and it is called a ‘cutaneous navel'. And over time it will settle back into place. It can also happen that, when the umbilical cord falls off, a small pink, shiny lump is left at the base of the navel, which is called an umbilical granuloma.

Conclusion: umbilical cord care

As we always tell you, every baby is unique. Remember that the most important thing is changing nappies frequently and keeping up good hygiene. Also, smell is a very important clue, and if you are in any doubt, see your paediatrician. You are doing a great job. This stage is intense, but very exciting.