Infant Care:
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Related
Topics:
Swaddling
Bathing Your Newborn
Circumcision Care
Caring for your newborns umbilical cord is quite simple.
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Keep it Clean - this can be accomplished by using a clean cotton ball and rubbing alcohol. Each time you change your baby’s diaper, soak a cotton ball in alcohol and swath the umbilical cord stump thoroughly. Be sure to get underneath. (Baby may cry when alcohol is applied due to coldness, not pain). | |
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Allow it to Dry - The alcohol will aid in drying out the stump. Also, do not use petroleum jellies or other ointments that may prevent drying unless recommended by your child’s pediatrician. | |
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Prevent Irritation - Fold the baby’s diaper down below the umbilical cord. Some diapers in newborn sizes actually have a cut out area for the cord stump. Dressing baby in loose fitting clothing around the tummy area also promotes healing. | |
See your pediatrician if:
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Area around the stump becomes red. |
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Puss or fluid drains from area or a foul odor. |
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Your child runs a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. |
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Your child cries when you touch the cord or area around the cord. |
The cord will dry up and fall off within a few weeks. A few drops of blood may appear when the cord falls off, this is normal. Soon your baby will have a beautiful little belly button ready to be discovered.
Related Topics:
Swaddling
Bathing Your Newborn
Circumcision Care
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Infant Care: Umbilical Cord Care