The umbilical cord attaches to the placenta during your pregnancy while you’re carrying your baby in your womb. In fact, the cord provides the all-essential oxygen and nutrients to help the baby develop in the womb. With the progression of your pregnancy, the cord also grows in length.
After your baby’s birth, the doctor clamps and cuts the cord two inches apart to separate you from your baby and the placenta. Since the umbilical cord is without nerves, it doesn’t hurt either you or your baby. Even after the cutting of the cord, the stump is attached to your baby’s belly.
How Can You Clean Your Baby’s Belly Button?
Many doctors advised you to clean the cord after every change of diaper. However, nowadays, you, as new parents are recommended to clean the cord many times a day. You’re also advised to keep the stump dry.
Wash Your Hands
Try not to touch the belly button whenever you want to. Always try to keep your hands clean with soap and water.
Use Only Water
Try to Keep your little one’s belly button only with water, unless you have urine or poop on it. If you notice urine or poop, use clean water and pH-neutral cleanser to clean it. In this case, don’t forget to get “pH-neutral” labelled products from the pharmacist.
Keep the Essentials Ready
Get all the important items before you start cleaning the cord stump.
- A flat surface
- An absorbent towel
- Cotton swabs
- A small bowl of water
- A baby soap
- Clean clothes and
- Diapers
Inspect Quickly For Infections
Although it isn’t possible for the cord to get infected, it is important that you look out for the signs:
- Smelly discharge
- Pus
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Irritability
If you notice these signs, consult the paediatrician.
Wipe the Cord Clean
People earlier used alcohol to keep the cord stump clean. But nowadays, doctors, no longer suggest you.
- After washing your little one’s face, hair, upper part of the body, and eyes, dip a cotton swab in warm water to clean the cord gently
- Now take a dry towel, slowly pat it on the area and leave the cord to dry.
After all, it is important to keep the cord clean and dry till such time that it falls off naturally.
- Keep the belly moisturised: Use a baby lotion around the belly area once the area starts healing. Be careful to apply the lotion gently. Use those products that do not irritate your baby’s sensitive skin.
- Make your little one dress in clean cotton clothes: These clothes may neither be very tight nor very loose.
- Do not try to pull the stump off: Your little one’s cord stump may look ready to fall off, but try not pull it off. Have patience! The cord stump is going fall off on its own and can heal naturally.
Before, the cord falls off, bank your baby’s cord blood, to safeguard you and your family’s health and healthy future.
