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Parent’s Guide

Parent’s Guide: Umbilical Cord Care & Symptoms

The umbilical cord stump typically falls off between 1 and 3 weeks after birth. While it often looks a bit messy as it dries up (changing from yellow to brown/gray), it rarely requires medical treatment. However, parents must be vigilant for signs of infection (Omphalitis), which is a serious emergency.

1

🔎Identifying the Condition

Understand the difference between the normal healing process and a problem.

Normal Healing:

The cord dries up, turns dark (brown/gray), and falls off. After it falls off, the center may look red or ooze clear/blood-tinged mucus for a few days.

Umbilical Granuloma (Minor):

A small, pink/red growth in the center of the navel that appears after the cord falls off. It stays moist and doesn’t heal like normal skin. (Requires a simple doctor’s visit).

Omphalitis (Medical Emergency):

A bacterial infection. Look for redness spreading onto the belly skin around the navel, swelling, foul odor, or tenderness.

2

🏠Immediate Home Care

Standard “Dry Cord” Care (Before it falls off):

  • Keep it Dry: This is the most important rule. The cord must dry out to fall off.
  • No Alcohol: Do not clean the cord with rubbing alcohol (unless specifically told by your doctor). Alcohol kills the “good” bacteria that help the cord separate.
  • Sponge Baths Only: Avoid tub baths until the cord has fallen off and the area is healed.
  • Diaper Management: Fold the top of the diaper down to expose the cord to air and prevent urine/rubbing irritation.

Care After Cord Falls Off:

  • Cleaning: If there is crust or secretions, gently clean with a wet cotton swab and water. Dry carefully.
  • Bleeding: A few drops of blood are normal when the cord separates. If it bleeds, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth for 10 minutes.

3

🚩“Red Flags”: The Infection Check

  • The Red Streak: If you see a red streak running from the navel or red skin spreading outward onto the belly, this is an infection spreading (Omphalitis).
  • The Smell: A foul, rotting odor is often a sign of infection.
4

🚨 When to Get Help

Go to ER Now

  • Spreading Redness: Red skin spreads outward from the navel.
  • Bleeding: Bleeding won’t stop after 10 minutes of pressure, or the blood spot is larger than 2 inches (5 cm).
  • Fever: Baby (under 12 weeks) has a fever (>100.4°F / 38°C).
  • Behavior: Baby looks or acts very sick/abnormal.

Call Doctor Today or Go to Urgent Care

  • Discharge: Lots of drainage (pus, mucus, urine) from the navel.
  • Sores: Pimples or blisters appear near the navel.
  • Bleeding: Spotting blood lasts more than 3 days.

Contact in 24hrs

  • Granuloma: A small piece of red tissue remains inside the navel.
  • Duration: The cord has not fallen off after 4-6 weeks.
  • Infection: Navel is not dry/clean after 3 days of home care.

Medically Reviewed by Dr Michael Villadelgado
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you use it. If you are unsure, always call your doctor.