Umbilical cord is the little hanging pipe that you see on your baby’s belly after birth. This umbilical cord is originally 50 coms long and connects both the mother and child when the baby is inside. This long organ is generally grown to nourish your baby with food, oxygen, and everything else.

After birth, the cord is cut close to the baby’s body as they are fully grown. This little lump looks like a small rope in purplish color and will fall off itself after a few weeks.

However, when still attached to the baby, it can actively spread infections to your newborn and hence require your care and attention till it falls off. Here are 5 easy tips you can follow while caring for your newborn’s umbilical cord.

1. Keep it clean and dry all the time 

    This little slump needs to be clean and dry all the time. Moisture around it attracts the bacteria and causes irritation to the tender skin around it. Hence ensure you clean the cord

   separately soon after the bath to ensure the cleansing.

2. Do not stamp it under the nappies  

   Stamping it under the nappies will not expose it to air and attracts the wet from the nappies. Thus, you should always place the nappies below the cord and let the free air circulate around it.

3. Use cotton balls dipped in cold boiled water 

   Using direct water for washing off the sticky wet surface of your baby’s umbilical cord might not be a good idea. Instead, use cotton balls, or soft clean towel dipped in cold boiled water to clean it. Rub the surface area with the cotton cloth or ball and dry it instantly.

4. Pick the loose-fitting clothes

   Choose free airflow clothes for your newborns. This is to avoid the stumping of the baby’s outfits against the slump. There are unique clothes that create space around the cord. You can pick these up for a few sets of days.

5. Resist yourself from pulling it off

   The most common mistake most of the parents do is removing the umbilical cord with pressure. Resist the urge to do so. Always allow the cord to fall off itself, even if it is the final string being hanged along.

The umbilical cord usually falls off within a fortnight. Regardless, it can even stay until 2 months. Irrespective of the time it takes to fall off, the care taken during its presence must not be altered. After the fall off, a small wound is left, which is healed within a few days, finally forming a belly button for your baby!

*Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before making any decision.