The care of the newborn's umbilical cord must be done in the right way. The goal is to prevent irritation and infection of the baby's umbilical cord. What steps need to be taken in caring for the baby's umbilical cord? Check out the information in the following review!
Generally, the umbilical cord or umbilical cord of a newborn will fall off or fall off within one to three weeks after birth. As long as it doesn't come off, the baby's parents need to keep the area clean and dry. This is because wet and damp conditions can trigger the growth of germs that cause infection.
The Right Way to Care for a Newborn's Umbilical Cord
Care of the newborn's umbilical cord should not be done carelessly. There are certain ways to keep this baby's limbs clean and dry. These methods include:
Keeping the umbilical cord clean
There is no need to wash the umbilical cord with alcohol. Just clean it with water, even if the umbilical cord is dirty. Drying it should also use a soft cloth or fan it to dry. Before taking care of the baby's umbilical cord, don't forget to wash your hands first.
Recent research says that the umbilical cord may heal faster if left alone. Washing it with alcohol, soap, or antiseptic liquid can actually irritate the skin around the umbilical cord and make it heal longer. Also avoid giving certain oils, powders, herbs, or herbal remedies around the umbilical cord.
Keeping the umbilical cord dry
Leave the umbilical cord in an open condition without being covered with dry gauze or covered by a diaper. When putting on a baby's diaper, try not to cover the umbilical cord with the diaper. This is so that the umbilical cord is not exposed to urine and baby feces which can cause infection.
Babies also need to wear clothes made of soft and absorbent sweat, thus creating good air circulation in their skin. Also avoid wearing model clothes bodysuit (which covers the whole body) on the Little One.
Let the umbilical cord terfree naturally
Letting the umbilical cord fall off on its own is one of the best ways to properly care for the umbilical cord. Do not force to remove the umbilical cord by pulling it. This can cause bleeding and infection.
As long as the umbilical cord is still attached, bathe the baby by washing his body using washcloth or a bath sponge. Avoid soaking the baby in the tub. After the umbilical cord has dropped, the new baby can be bathed in the tub.
What to Pay Attention to During Baby's Umbilical Cord Care
You don't have to worry if you see discoloration of the baby's umbilical cord during the healing process.
In the early days after the baby is born, the umbilical cord is usually yellowish and shiny. Over time, the umbilical cord will dry out and shrink until it finally falls off. Usually the color of the umbilical cord will be brown, gray, purplish, bluish, then black.
When the umbilical cord pulls off, there may be a little blood in the little one's navel. Don't worry, this is normal too. In addition, sometimes there is clear or yellow fluid and tissue residue in the belly button called umbilical granulomas. This fluid will go away on its own.
Conditions that need to be watched out for and need treatment by a doctor are if the baby's umbilical cord shows signs of infection, such as:
- Pus in the umbilical cord.
- Fever.
- The skin around the umbilical cord area is swollen and red.
- The umbilical cord is yellowish in color or has an unpleasant odor.
- The umbilical cord is bleeding profusely and continuously.
- Babies cry whenever the umbilical cord or surrounding skin is touched.
Check your little one to the pediatrician if the umbilical cord has not fallen off after 3-6 weeks. This could be a sign of a health problem, such as an infection or a compromised immune system.
Caring for the newborn's umbilical cord is generally not too difficult, it's just that patience is needed in caring for it until the umbilical cord is completely lost. Never force it off even though it looks healed. The most important thing is to take care of the baby's umbilical cord properly, so that the umbilical cord detachment and healing can be faster.