It is a good idea to do a quick check on the cord stump at diaper changes to monitor for signs of infection, which include:. To help prevent infection, follow the steps as outlined above to keep the cord clean and dry, and make sure your hands are freshly washed with soap and water before handling the cord stump.
Most umbilical cord stumps fall off within days, but many fall off in under a week when they are left alone. While it is our usual routine to remove the cord clamp at around 24 hours just because it can be kind of a nuisance, if the cord clamp has not been removed, it may only take a couple of days for the stump to fall off.
It is not a concern if the stump falls off early — all you need to do is keep the cord site clean and dry, just like the stump. Pat the area with a clean cloth and allow it to air-dry.
This helps prevent contamination from urine and stool. If needed, cut a notch in the front of the diapers to make a space for the cord. Instead, bathe your baby with a sponge or damp washcloth. Watch for continuing signs of infection. This includes redness, swelling, and cloudy, discolored, or bad-smelling drainage in the area around the cord.
Never use a mercury thermometer. For infants and toddlers, be sure to use a rectal thermometer correctly. A rectal thermometer may accidentally poke a hole in perforate the rectum. It may also pass on germs from the stool. Here are guidelines for fever temperature. Rectal or forehead temporal artery temperature of Was this helpful?
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This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. It also helps prevent diaper contents, such as urine, from irritating the stump. Many baby baths are gently sloped. This helps you position your baby for a bath. Knowing what to expect Most umbilical cord stumps look worse than they really are. Right after birth, an umbilical cord stump usually looks white and shiny and may feel slightly damp.
As the stump dries and heals, it may look brown, grey, or even black. This is normal. Usually no problems will develop as long as you keep the area clean and dry. The umbilical cord stump usually falls off in 1 or 2 weeks.
Sometimes the stump falls off before the first week. Other times, the stump may stay longer. You may notice a red, raw-looking spot right after the stump falls off.
A small amount of fluid sometimes tinged with blood may ooze out of the navel area. It is normal for this to last up to 2 weeks after the stump falls off.
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