It is always a delight to welcome a new baby into the world, but it can also be daunting for new parents.
One of the things that may cause concern in the weeks after birth is the umbilical cord stump, which remains attached to your baby until it falls off on its own.
This blog will provide an overview of when your baby’s umbilical cord should fall off, how long it takes and what you need to look out for.
When will my baby’s umbilical cord fall off?
Your baby’s umbilical cord usually falls off between 5-21 days after birth.
It depends on the individual and factors such as hygiene, air exposure, and temperature of their environment.
Some babies may take longer than others, so don’t worry if your baby’s umbilical cord doesn’t fall off within this time frame.
A good gauge of when it is about to fall off is when the area around the base dries up and turns dark brown or black – this usually happens a few days before it comes away from your baby’s body.
How should I care for my baby’s umbilical cord stump?
It is important to keep your baby’s umbilical cord clean and dry until it falls off naturally. To do this, you should never submerge them in water as this could lead to infection. Instead use a damp cloth or cotton wool ball with warm water to gently clean around the area during nappy changes or baths.
You should also make sure that their nappies fit correctly so that they are not rubbing against the stump which can cause irritation.
What should I look out for?
If you notice any redness or pus around your baby’s umbilical stump then this could be a sign of infection – see your doctor as soon as possible if you spot either of these signs.
You should also keep an eye out for any bleeding once the stump has fallen off – if this occurs speak with your doctor right away.
Bleeding can be stopped by pressing firmly with a clean piece of material over the area until it stops (around 5 minutes).
The best thing to do while waiting for your little one’s umbilical cord stump to drop off is stay calm and patient! As long as you practice good hygiene practices and keep an eye on the area for signs of infection then there shouldn’t be anything to worry about.
If symptoms persist or worsen then seek medical help immediately, but rest assured that all babies are different and some may take longer than others for their cords to drop off naturally – nothing wrong with that!
