How To Take Care Of Umbilical Cord In New Born Babies
?
Babies in the womb receives nutrition through umbilical cord. After your
baby is born the umbilical cord is clamped and cut close to your baby’s body.
It leaves an umbilical stump attached to the baby’s belly button.
The stump will dry up and fall off in 1 to 2 weeks. It will take a
little care and attention to prevent irritation and infection.
Taking care of the stump
The stump will change from bluish white to black as it dries and
eventually falls.
- Keep the stump clean: If the stump becomes dirty or sticky clean with plain water and dry it by a clean cloth.
- Keep the stump dry: Expose the stump to air as it help to dry out the base of the stump. Keep the diaper away from the stump. It will prevent contact with urine and also expose the stump to air.
- Baby bath: Don’t bath baby in a tub or sink before the cord has fallen off. If your baby take bath make sure to dry it completely but don’t rub it dry as it could cause irritation.
- Dress delicately: Choose loose fitting clothes that doesn’t press against the stump
- Never pull off the stump: Resist the temptation to pull off the stump yourself as it could start bleeding.
Signs of umbilical cord infection
Infections are rare, but be careful if
- Your baby cries when you touch the cord or skin next to it
- Skin around the cord is red and swollen.
- If there is any foul smell or pus discharge.
- Also call the doctor if the stump bleeds continuously.
No comments:
Post a Comment