WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR BABY'S UMBILICAL CORD

10/04/2020

When you’re a new parent, you have lots to figure out. But one thing you might not have thought about is your baby’s umbilical cord.

Usually, it comes off between 10 and 14 days after your baby is born, but can take as long as 21 days. At first, the stump might look shiny or yellow. But as it dries out, it may turn brown or gray or even purplish or blue. It’ll shrivel and turn black before it falls off on its own.

These are some things parents need to know about caring baby’s umbilical cord stump:

- Treat the area gently and keep the stump dry.

- Stick with sponge baths. While there's no harm in getting the stump wet, sponge baths might make it easier to keep the stump dry

- Keep the front of your baby's diaper folded down to avoid covering the stump.

- Let the stump fall off on its own. Resist the temptation to pull off the stump yourself.

- Once the cord is gone, continue to keep the area clean and dry.

- During the healing process, it's normal to see a little blood near the stump.

Signs of infection:

Contact your baby's doctor if the umbilical area oozes pus, the surrounding skin becomes red and swollen, or the area develops a pink moist bump. These could be signs of an umbilical cord infection. Prompt treatment is needed to stop the infection from spreading.

Also, talk to your baby's doctor if the stump still hasn't separated after three weeks. This might be a sign of an underlying problem, such an infection or immune system disorder.

* The Pediatrics – Neonatology Department of American International Hospital (AIH) offers a wide range of services including: Health check-up; Vaccination; Monitoring child’s physical and mental development; Consultation on nutrition; and other diagnosis and treatment services.

At AIH, for the purpose of preventing cross-infection, the pediatric clinic is properly designed and divided into two separate areas: area for symptomatic children and area for well children. Children with suspected symptoms will be quickly removed from common waiting area and placed in a separate examination room on arrival.

bởi Super Admin
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