What Not to Do with an Umbilical Cord Stump

Caring for your baby's umbilical cord stump is one of your first challenges as a new parent. The umbilical cord stump is all that is left of the lifeline that connected your baby to you. Through this cord your baby received its oxygen and its food. After delivery the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, and what you are left with in an inch long "thing" that looks pretty gross. While the stump is still attached you need to be careful when caring for your baby as you don't want the stump to be pulled off prematurely and you don't want it to get infected.

Don't Use Rubbing Alcohol

In the past, doctors often told new parents to use rubbing alcohol as part of the newborn belly button cleaning process. Parents were instructed to dab a cotton swab in the rubbing alcohol and to run it around the circumference of the baby's navel each time the baby's diaper was changed. Now doctors have discovered that the umbilical cord stump heals faster if you allow it to heal without interventions like this one.

Don't Let The Infant Belly Button Remain Dirty

One of the rules of thumb of newborn care is to keep the umbilical cord stump clean. This can be accomplished by simply using mild soap and warm water to cleanse the area gently when it gets dirty or sticky. Use a soft cloth to clean the area and try to avoid getting the stump too wet.

Don't Bathe the Baby in the Sink

You don't want to bathe your baby in a sink or a basin until after their umbilical cord stump has naturally dried up and fallen off. Instead you will want to give them sponge baths when they get dirty. This limited exposure to moisture will help the baby's navel heal faster.

Don't Pull It Off

It is important not to try and pull off the umbilical cord stump before it is ready. It is not going to look pretty and it is going to produce more work for you, but you need to resist the urges that you have to pull it off. If you pull off the stump and the baby's naval has not fully healed it can cause bleeding and leave your baby vulnerable to staph and other types of infections.

Don't Overlook Signs of Infection

It is not very common for a baby's umbilical cord stump to get infected but it can happen. Signs to look for include puss oozing from around the edges of the cord, red and swollen skin, bleeding and a foul smell. If you notice these signs then call your pediatrician immediately.

References

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/umbilical-cord/PR00046/NSECTIONGROUP=2