Your infant's umbilical string stump is a funny little piece of skin that'southward actually the concluding link to his stay in the womb. When the umbilical cord is cut at birth, a bit remains still fastened to his navel — and information technology'll go through a metamorphosis during your baby's early days.

Indeed, the colour and look of the stump changes from yellow-green to black and crusty as it dries up and so falls off. Frankly, it looks downright weird, even gross, but don't be intimidated. Read on for easy care tips for your baby's umbilical cord as well as what to do if you think something'southward not right.

When does the umbilical cord fall off?

It may seem like it's taking its sweetness time, but the umbilical cord stump should dry out up and drop away by the fourth dimension your baby is 3 weeks sometime, co-ordinate to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

It's possible the stump volition autumn away sooner, but if it's lingering longer than that timeframe, make an date with the pediatrician to get information technology checked out.

What to do when the umbilical cord falls off

Most cords dry completely then fall off, leaving behind a cute baby belly button. You might notice a small raw spot or a bit of blood-tinged fluid oozing out. Try non to worry — this is also normal. Simply if y'all observe more profuse bleeding, call the doctor.

In some cases, the cord may form cherry-pink scar tissue chosen an umbilical granuloma, which may secrete a yellowish discharge. This should clear up in a calendar week, but if it doesn't, check in with your baby's pediatrician. An umbilical granuloma is a very treatable condition.

Umbilical cord care tips

Nowadays, the standard practice when it comes to caring for a newborn umbilical cord is to continue it dry out. Skip the rubbing booze and other ointments, and follow these umbilical cord tips to promote skillful healing:

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  • Keep it clean.If the stump gets dingy, dab information technology gently with a moisture washcloth and then pat the expanse with a dry out material. (It's unlikely you'll demand to do this, as the cord usually stays pretty clean.) Avoid using soap, which can irritate a baby's tender peel.
  • Air the stump out. Assist the base of operations dry out past regularly exposing it to air.
  • Stick to sponge baths.Don't dunk that navel underwater for now — sponge baths are enough. Once the stump falls off, experience free to breast-stroke your infant in his pint-sized tub.
  • Diaper delicately.Avoid covering the stump with the top of his diaper. Some newborn-size disposables feature a little notch at the waistband, or you tin can simply fold down the front of the diaper to proceed it from rubbing the stump area.
  • Modify diapers frequently. Modify wet and dingy diapers promptly so they don't leak upward toward the navel and aggravate your baby's healing cord.
  • Dress delicately too.Cull loose-fitting article of clothing that doesn't press confronting the stump or outfits with a special cutout for this surface area. Instead of onesies that snap at the crotch, effort kimono-style bodysuits, which necktie on the side for more air circulation and less rubbing.
  • Resist touching or pulling.Allow the scab fall off on its own. Never pull it, fifty-fifty if it seems to connect by just the tiniest thread. If it gets yanked off too presently, it could start bleeding continuously. If this happens, phone call your baby'south medico immediately.

Infected umbilical string or belly button

Healing belly buttons almost always look worse than they actually are, even when they're progressing ordinarily. It'due south rare that a healing umbilical cord stump gets infected, but when it does, the condition is called omphalitis.

Watch for these symptoms of a newborn belly button infection, or omphalitis:

  • Red skin or a cherry-red, swollen appearance at the base of the string
  • A fluid-filled lump on or nearly your baby'due south umbilical string stump
  • Oozing pus or discharge
  • Haemorrhage from the scab (though a little stale blood is normal)
  • Foul smell
  • Fever or lethargy
  • Low ambition
  • Intestinal swelling
  • Crying when you touch the string or the expanse around it

If y'all notice any signs of infection or your baby seems to be in pain, call your pediatrician. A course of antibiotics will become your baby's bellybutton back to healing in no time.

Umbilical cord or bellybutton bleeding

It'due south normal to spot a few drops of blood on your infant's diaper after his stump falls off, but y'all should monitor any additional umbilical cord bleeding closely. Contact your baby'due south doc if a small corporeality of bleeding lasts for more than three days.

If heavier belly push haemorrhage won't end after 10 minutes of directly pressure level applied two times or if there's a blood stain that's more than 2 inches beyond, immediately telephone call or visit the pediatrician. Continuous bleeding or a sizable spot of blood at this very immature age (nether a calendar month) is a concern and should get checked out.

Less is more when it comes to caring for your baby's umbilical cord. If y'all proceed the stump area dry and you do your best to avoid touching it when you diaper and dress your babe, this little piece of leftover skin should fall off in no time at all.