Care of the Umbilical Cord

What is the umbilical cord? ⁣
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The umbilical cord carries oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to the baby and removes the waste products.⁣
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What happens at birth? ⁣
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When baby is born the cord is clamped and then cut leaving a 2-3 cm stump which will form your baby’s tummy button. Between 5-15 days the umbilical stump will turn black, dry out, harden and eventually fall off. The tummy button can take a few days to heal. It is important to keep the area clean during this process. ⁣
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Umbilical Cord Care ⁣
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Wash your hands before and after you touch the cord ⁣
 If needed clean around the base of the cord with cotton wool/gauze and cooled boiled water and ensure the area is dry after cleaning ⁣
Fold the nappy down below the cord to prevent contamination with stool or urine and to allow air to it.⁣
Check the stump and tummy button at each nappy change for any signs of infection ⁣
Clothing should be clean and loosely fitted ⁣
Try to sponge bath or top and and tail baby rather than a tub bath, this will allow the cord to remain dry. ⁣
Avoid pulling or interfering with the cord stump. ⁣
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If you notice any signs of infection such as surrounding redness, bleeding or smelly discharge from your baby’s tummy button see you GP or midwife for an assessment and advice.⁣
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⁣What cord care did you use for your baby? ⁣
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