The umbilical cord or umbilical cord will be cut shortly after the baby is born leaving only a small part. The rest of the umbilical cord needs to be kept clean until it comes off on its own. So, how to care for the baby's umbilical cord? Check out the following article to find out the answer.
While in the womb, the fetus gets food and oxygen from the placenta or placenta which is attached to the uterine wall. Both intakes are channeled through the umbilical cord which is connected to the body of the fetus.
After the baby is born, the umbilical cord and the umbilical cord are no longer needed and are eventually cut. This cutting process leaves a 2–3 cm long remaining cord attached to the baby's navel.
Usually, this leftover umbilical cord will dry out gradually and fall off on its own within 10–14 days or even longer.
However, before the umbilical cord detaches, it is important to always keep the surrounding skin clean and dry to prevent infection and help the umbilical cord fall off and heal faster.
How to Maintain Cleanliness and Caring for Baby's Umbilical Cord
The process of drying the umbilical cord until it comes off takes a long time. During that time, you must clean it properly and carefully to prevent infection in the area around the umbilical cord.
The following are some ways you can do to care for and clean the umbilical cord:
1. Clean the area around the umbilical cord at least once a day
Make sure you clean the skin around your baby's umbilical cord at least once a day, especially when changing diapers or bathing them. Mothers can use cotton that has been soaked in warm water and soft baby soap.
After that, don't forget to always dry your little one's skin by patting it with a soft cloth.
2. Avoid cleaning the umbilical cord with alcohol
You may have heard the advice to clean the rest of the umbilical cord using alcohol every time you change a diaper. However, now researchers claim that the navel can be released and heal faster if left alone.
If the rest of the umbilical cord is dirty or sticky, you can simply clean it with water, then dry it with a cloth that easily absorbs water. You can also dry it using a fan.
In addition, avoid cleaning the rest of the umbilical cord with antiseptic, because it makes the umbilical cord difficult to dry and take longer to come off.
3. Pay attention to the use of diapers on babies
If your little one is wearing a diaper, make sure the tip of the diaper is under the umbilical cord or does not cover the navel. If the diaper is too long, cut or fold the end of the diaper to keep the belly button exposed to air.
Besides aiming to keep the navel dry, this can also prevent the navel from being exposed to dirt or urine from the diaper which can cause irritation.
4. Bathe baby carefully
As long as the umbilical cord has not been detached, keep the position of the water surface below the navel when bathing your little one. You have to apply this until the umbilical cord comes off and heals.
Mothers can also use a sponge or washcloth to wipe the little one's body so that the umbilical cord is not directly exposed to water. Babies usually can only be bathed thoroughly or with the body submerged after the rest of the umbilical cord is detached.
5. Wear the right clothes for the baby
Let your little one only wear a diaper and a loose t-shirt if the weather is warm. This is done so that air circulation is maintained and accelerates the drying of the rest of the umbilical cord. Avoid dressing your little one with model clothes bodysuit or covering the whole body.
In addition, avoid placing certain oils, powders, herbs, or herbal ingredients around the baby's umbilical cord because they can increase the risk of infection.
The umbilical cord will fall off on its own, so you don't have to try to remove it. When the rest of the umbilical cord comes off, there will be a little blood in the little one's navel.
However, you don't need to worry, because this is a normal thing to happen. In addition, sometimes there is a clear or yellowish fluid and remnants of the umbilical tissue called umbilical granulomas. This remaining tissue can go away on its own or be treated by a pediatrician.
If your little one cries when the skin around their navel is touched or signs of an umbilical cord infection appear, such as fever, bloody or festering belly button, and redness and swelling of the skin around the navel, immediately take your child to the doctor for treatment.
