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Newborn Umbilical Cord Care: Everything Parents Should Know
It is truly a wonder that the belly button, an oft-neglected and insignificant part of the human body, is the route to providing nutrition to a baby growing inside a mother’s body. As parents, you should understand the cord’s function and the care that it needs till the time it is attached to your baby’s body. This will ensure that the umbilical cord does not create any health issues for the baby and falls off in a natural way. Through this article, you will learn all that you need to know about the cord, essential tips for its care and ways to identify any infection it could contract.
Video: Newborn Umbilical Cord Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yRh4jdtM-k
What Is the Umbilical Cord?
The baby is born with the umbilical cord attached to its belly button while the other end is connected to the placenta on the inner wall of the uterus. It is the placenta that provides the necessary oxygen and nourishment to the baby with the umbilical cord acting as the passage for carrying nutrients and eliminating waste.
Structure & Function of Umbilical Cord
In most cases, the umbilical cord is formed around the seventh week of pregnancy and carries out the important task of providing all essential nutrients to the foetus during its growth. The umbilical cord primarily consists of:
A vein to transport oxygen and blood from the mother’s placenta to the baby
Two arteries to send back de-oxygenated blood and other fluids from the baby to the placenta
The cord is secured safely in a sticky fluid cover known as Wharton Jelly. For further protection, this is additionally covered by a thin membrane known as amnion. When the baby comes out of its mother’s womb, this cord is detached through a painless procedure where one end is clamped quite close to the baby’s body. This leaves behind a small stump that remains attached to the baby’s belly button for 7 to 21 days.
Remember, the umbilical cord is yellowish-green in colour upon birth and will turn black over a period of time, before it undergoes a natural drying process. It is a given that you may feel unsettled by its unusual looks but you can ignore it as it will eventually fall off.
How to Take Care of the Umbilical Stump
The umbilical cord stump is the last reminder of your newborn’s nine-month stay inside your womb and needs to be cared for till the time it falls off on its own. However, don’t worry about tending to it since that’s quite simple! The scab needs to be kept clean and dry at all times to speed up the healing process. Do keep in mind that touching the stump and checking it often doesn’t help. Although, as a precaution, a visit to the doctor may be necessary if your new-born baby is crying more than usual, seems to be in pain, and is crankier than you know her or him to be.
First-time parents, here are a few tips for umbilical cord care at home, to keep you from panicking and calling up your gynaecologist or paediatrician unnecessarily:
Cleanliness is vital: The tiny stump may seem unclean and sticky at times. This signals that it needs to be cleaned with cotton or a wet cloth followed by dabbing with a soft dry tissue or cloth. Do not use alcohol or soap as well-meaning neighbours and relatives may suggest. This may cause irritation to your tiny tot’s delicate skin. In any case, there is no need to hasten the healing process that works naturally.
Keep it dry: The key to ensuring that the healing process happens naturally is to ensure the stump remains dry at all times. Exposing it to air is also important, so make sure the diaper does not enclose the area. Cut off that portion of the diaper or look for diapers with a low waist. Folding regular diapers around the navel area also works brilliantly. This will also help in avoiding contact with urine. Change wet diapers frequently as the wetness may travel upwards toward the navel area.
Sponge Bath: Till the time the umbilical cord stump is attached to your baby, resist the temptation of giving your baby a tub bath. Instead, opt for a quick sponge bath as that will make sure the navel does not remain underwater for a long time. That baby tub you’ve bought can remain unused for a couple of weeks or so. Fan the area gently if you feel uncomfortable dabbing it with a cloth.
Clothe your baby sensibly: Make sure your baby is dressed in loose-fitting cotton clothing so that the stump remains unobstructed. The lesser the rubbing of clothes and more the air circulation, the quicker is the healing process. You may want to show off your creation to the world by dressing your baby smartly, but it makes sense to hold off the fashion parade for a while and allow the umbilical cord to heal properly!
Allow natural healing: There is a natural tendency amongst first-time parents to check if the cord has dried off and will fall off at the earliest. Once it nears complete healing, you may feel tempted to pull it off, especially when you see it hanging by a tiny weak thread. Resist the temptation and let the natural process occur. It will fall off eventually.
When does Umbilical Cord Fall Off from Baby?
Remember, it will take anything from one week to four weeks, provided it is tended to in the proper manner. Since it is a living tissue, the drying process has to get completed before it falls off. At times, a small amount of blood may be visible, or the skin may appear to be raw. This is normal and will heal on its own. In no time, the umbilical cord will be replaced by a cute little baby belly button. You can call your paediatrician if the stump takes more than four weeks to heal and fall off.
Signs of Umbilical Cord Infection
It is extremely critical to keep a watch on the navel area and make sure no infection occurs. If the baby’s weight at the time of birth was low or if the baby was born premature, keeping a close eye on the wound is highly recommended. Umbilical cord infection is rare, but you should watch out for the following indications:
The base of the cord turns red or swells
There is a foul-smelling discharge from the stump
The baby’s body temperature remains above normal
The baby’s abdomen feels swollen
There is a change in appetite
The baby displays general irritability
Umbilical Cord Infection Treatment
Speak to your paediatrician immediately if you notice any of the above signs. The doctor might prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. Also remember that constant bleeding can occur if the cord is pulled at, and this needs immediate medical attention.
Umbilical Granuloma in a new-born
In a few cases, there is a possibility that the umbilical cord may form a pink coloured scar which regularly oozes a yellowish discharge. This tissue is known as Umbilical Granuloma in a new-born and should ideally heal on its own in not more than a week’s time. Pay attention to the infected area since, unlike some other infections, this condition is not accompanied by symptoms like high fever, swelling of the abdominal area, reddening of the area, or tenderness. You should visit your paediatrician if the condition does not improve and seek medical attention without delay.
Umbilical Granuloma Treatment
To treat babies suffering from Umbilical Granuloma, doctors generally carry out the cauterization process on the infected area. Cauterization is a medical technique that burns the tissue by applying silver nitrate to the area. This helps in closing off or removing the remaining part of the umbilical cord. This is quick and painless since the area does not have any nerve endings at all.
Another proven method used by doctors for Umbilical Granuloma Treatment is tying a surgical thread to the base of the umbilical cord. This stops the blood supply to the area, thus quickening the drying of the cord and helping it to fall off in a natural way. Since none of these processes cause any pain to your new-born, you can go ahead and ask your doctor to carry out the same.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How should I bathe my new-born baby while caring for the umbilical cord?
While your new-born baby is still saddled with the stump of its life-giving umbilical cord, it is advisable to give it a sponge bath over a full-fledged tub bath. A tub bath will result in keeping the navel area under water for some time and this could increase the chances of an infection. The area has to be kept as dry as possible and hence, a sponge bath will suffice at this point of time. After the sponge bath too, the umbilical cord and its surrounding area should be patted till it is completely dry or fanned till it dries off. Be very careful around the affected area and do not apply soap or any other cleaning agent that could irritate your tiny one’s delicate skin. Remember, the drier the navel area remains, the quicker is the healing process, thus helping the cord to wither and fall off in a natural manner.
2. What should I do after umbilical cord falls off?
The umbilical cord residue, or stump as we call it, generally falls off within 7 to 21 days (maximum of four weeks) after it has healed naturally. Once the umbilical cord falls off, there may be a tiny raw area you may see in and around the place and this could also be followed by oozing of blood-filled fluids. However, in most cases, the cord falls off only after it has dried off completely.
3. What should I do if the umbilical cord is bleeding?
A few blood droplets around the umbilical cord are normal and should not be alarming in most cases. However, you should watch out for active bleeding. You can confirm active bleeding if another drop appears right after one drop is wiped off. Pulling at the cord before it is completely healed can lead to this condition and you should contact your doctor/ paediatrician on an immediate basis.
4. When should I call my doctor?
You should call your doctor as soon as you notice any signs of infection which include a swollen navel area, reddening of the cord, pain in the navel, bleeding, and a foul smelling discharge. Apart from this, the following conditions need quick medical attention:
Omphalitis: When the navel area becomes unusually warm, red, seems tender, and is accompanied by a discharge, the new-born could be suffering from omphalitis. This bacterial infection needs to be taken seriously as it can be life-threatening, and needs immediate medical attention from your doctor without delay.
Umbilical hernia:
In this condition, a bowel tissue is seen protruding from the navel area. This happens primarily due to the strain your baby exerts on the abdominal area while it is crying. This creates a small hole in the surrounding muscle area. This condition can be treated easily by your doctor.
Another sign of an infection or pain in the umbilical cord area is continuous crying. This too warrants a call to the doctor. Keep the doctor informed if the stump refuses to fall off naturally after four weeks or more as it may need to be cauterised or removed with the help of a surgical thread.
5. Can a protruding belly button be compressed?
Mothers generally feel that the protrusion of a belly button is due to improper care or infection. To rectify this, many parents tape the navel area using a coin or a flat item. This is untrue and cannot change the physical appearance of the belly button. It is advisable to let the appearance of the belly button be as it is and focus on other essential aspects of bringing up your baby.
The umbilical cord is crucial for the development of the baby in the womb and needs adequate care when the baby is born. Being aware of the proper way to care for it will go a long way ensuring that no problems occur.
Also Read:
Umbilical Cord Prolapse
True Umbilical Cord Knot
Nuchal Cord (Umbilical Cord Around Neck) Read more
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6 Sugar-free Healthy Ice Cream Recipes Your Family Won’t Get Enough of!
Who doesn’t love ice cream? Yeah, nearly everyone enjoys the taste and texture of cold, creamy ice cream whether it is to make a dull day happier, to celebrate something, or for no reason whatsoever! As much you may love ice cream, there is a chance you will turn into an anti-ice cream spokesperson when your child asks you for one! Sure, you care about your child’s health and your restrictions come from a place of protection – but what if we told you that there are ways to be the good guy and still let your child have ice cream often?
Ice creams contain sugar, heavy cream and condensed milk – all big no-no’s in a healthy balanced diet. But here’s where the best solution comes in - sugar-free (n)ice creams!
6 Delicious Homemade Sugar-free Ice Cream and Gola Recipes
These homemade ice creams and golas are the perfect blend of healthy and tasty, and you and your kids will lick the bowl clean when you’re done! Not to mention that the first Saturday of February is ‘Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day’, and your kids will love you for giving them these delicious treats to kickstart the weekend! Read below for easy, delicious and sugar-free homemade ice cream and gola recipes.
1. Strawberry Banana Ice Cream
Getting your little one to eat fruits can be a daunting task if he’s surrounded by junk food. But when the nutrition of strawberries and bananas can be put into an ice cream, who can resist? Here’s how you can make a yummy dessert with these ingredients, with all their nutrients intact:
Ingredients:
3 medium-sized bananas
1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 cup milk (if you want dairy-free ice cream, swap with coconut or almond milk)
1 tsp vanilla essence
Medium size deep vessel for freezing
Directions:
Take the bananas and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Put them in a zip lock bag or a container, and freeze them solid.
Take the strawberries, cut off the leaves, and cut the berries into half. Freeze them solid.
After they are frozen, take them out and put them in a blender.
Add milk and vanilla essence. Blend them all together till they form a creamy mixture.
Transfer the mixture to a deep vessel and flatten it out on top. Freeze for 3-4 hours.
Scoop out a couple of scoops, and serve cold.
2. Chocolate Ice Cream
Your kid can never say no to chocolate – even we know that! But the sugar content in regular chocolate ice cream can be dangerous to your child’s health – especially the teeth. There’s no need to fret, though – we have a delicious solution for you! You can make a healthy version of chocolate ice cream at home, which will not only satiate your little one’s taste buds, but will also keep you relieved because it has no artificial sugar. Your kid will give you an A+ for this!
Ingredients:
3 medium-sized bananas
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 cup dark chocolate bar, cut into small chunks
1/2 cup milk (for dairy-free options, swap with coconut or almond milk)
1 tsp vanilla essence
A medium-sized deep vessel for freezing
Directions:
Cut the bananas and freeze them solid as mentioned in the previous recipe.
When solid, put them into a blender.
Add the cocoa powder, milk, dark chocolate chunks, and vanilla essence to the blender, and blend till the mixture turns creamy.
Transfer the mixture into the deep vessel and freeze for 3-4 hours.
Scoop the frozen ice cream in a small bowl, and serve cold.
3. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Vanilla is a classic flavour that pairs well with everything, from jalebis to gulab jamun to chocolates! How about making this classic at home and eating it, guilt-free?
Ingredients:
3 medium-sized bananas
1 tsp vanilla bean (not essence)
1/2 cup milk (for dairy-free options, swap with coconut or almond milk)
1 tbsp chocolate chunks (optional)
Medium size deep vessel for freezing
Directions:
Cut and freeze bananas solid as mentioned above.
When frozen, put them in a blender.
Add the vanilla bean, milk, and chocolate chunks and blend till the mixture turns creamy.
Transfer the mixture into the vessel and freeze for 3-4 hours.
Serve a couple of scoops cold with chocolate syrup or fresh-cut strawberries.
4. Strawberry Gola
If your kid does not like ice cream but is a huge fan of golas or slushies, this is the perfect recipe to try. It is sugar-free, dairy-free and requires only two ingredients!
Ingredients:
1/2 kg strawberries
1/4 cup honey
Medium size deep vessel for freezing
Directions:
Wash the strawberries thoroughly to remove dirt. Cut the leaves off the top, and cut the strawberries in half.
Freeze the cut strawberries overnight, or till they are frozen solid.
Transfer the frozen strawberries into a blender.
Add the honey, and blend till it forms an icy mixture.
Transfer the mixture into the deep vessel, and freeze solid.
Scoop it out in a small bowl, and serve cold.
5. Kiwi Gola
Enjoy this recipe with some fresh kiwi fruits that are in season.
Ingredients:
8 kiwis, peeled and cut
4 tbsp honey
Medium size vessel for freezing
Directions:
Peel and cut the kiwis into bite-size pieces, and freeze solid.
When solid, put them in a blender. Add honey.
Blend the ingredients till they form an icy mixture.
Transfer the mixture into the vessel and freeze till solid.
Scoop out the gola in a small bowl, and serve cold. You can add some salt or mint leaves on top to make it taste even yummier.
6. Musk Melon Gola
If you have a child who is a picky eater, serving him healthy fruits in the form of golas can help him enjoy his food and get the nutrition he needs. Try this musk melon gola for a picky eater.
Ingredients:
One medium-size musk melon (which is not ripe; slightly green insides are perfect)
1/2 cup honey
Medium size vessel for freezing
Directions:
Cut the musk melon in half and remove all the seeds. Cut into smaller pieces, and freeze solid.
When frozen, transfer the pieces into a blender and add honey.
Blend the ingredients till they form an icy mixture.
Transfer the mixture into the vessel and freeze solid.
Scoop it out in a bowl, and serve cold.
So, these were some of the healthier alternatives to your favourite ice creams. Your children will absolutely love the flavours, and you will be relieved because they are healthy and homemade. What are you waiting for? Treat your family with these (n)ice cream recipes this ‘eat ice cream for breakfast day’!
Also Read:
Healthy Vegetarian Dinner Recipes for Family
Quick and Easy Tea Time Snacks Recipes
Healthy Indian Breakfast Recipes for Kids Read more
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Mashed rice cereal in milk
Mashed rice cereal in milk is an easy-to-make recipe and widely used as a first food for bubs in India and abroad. Rice is rich in carbs and easy to digest, and milk adds on that protein punch. Together makes up a good start up food for your kid. You can add ghee, salt, sugar, and cinnamon to add taste, however, its better to avoid these while making a baby food. Fresh or dried fruits can be added to make it more delicious.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
1 People
5 Minutes
15 Minutes
Ingredients
1/4 cup rice
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup low fat milk
Method
Step 1
Boil water, add washed rice, cook on low heat until rice if nearly cooked (about 10 min).
Step 2
Add milk, cook to boil, then simmer over low heat until the liquid is soaked up.
Step 3
Serve lukewarm in a cup.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size 286.8 g
Calories
220
Calories from Fat
13
Total Fat
1.5 g 2%
Saturated Fat
0.9 g 5%
Trans Fat
0.0 g
Cholesterol
6 mg 2%
Sodium
60 mg 2%
Potassium
237 mg 7%
Total Carbohydrates
43.1 g 14%
Dietary Fiber
0.6 g 2%
Sugars
6.4 g
Protein
7.4 g
Vitamin A
5%
Vitamin C
0%
Calcium
16%
Iron
11%
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutritional details are an estimate and should only be used as a guide for approximation.
Milk used in the recipe is low fat milk. With the use of a formula / breast milk, the calories and nutritive value of the recipe will vary.
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Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
16 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts hi I am at 35 th week 2 days and my baby weight is 1.880 I saw few video in that video they said baby weight would be above 2 kg is that any problem ? my baby weight is okay or not
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
16 hours ago
A. Hello mom every baby is different as every pregenancy as well too , so please avoid stress as it wouldnt be good to take that tension please have a healthy diet , and keep your self hydrated
Dr Bandana Joshi has added a new answer
Mom of a 3 m old child
16 hours ago
Q. can I bring 3 month old baby with me to the office.is there any physical harm with the baby
Dr Bandana Joshi
Ayurvedic Physician
15 hours ago
A. Better to avoid as they are so many people in office and you can’t ask everyone to sanitise the hands but if for particular occasion you are planning to taue the baby to office then you can plan
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
14 hours ago
Q. my mother died 9 years ago. Now I am 8 month pregnant(32 week).my due date is June 25.I am planning my delivery in hospital near to my home since this is my first pregnancy.I have only father and unmarried brother in my home.If there is emergency I don't have any female to support. Does hospitals allow male bystander during delivery. what should I do if I don't have any female support. My aunt live far from our home.
Read moreDr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. yes. males can come. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert hi this is Sarika here . my question is how to encourage my baby to latch because he get irritated whenever I try to latch him
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
13 hours ago
A. It’s very important that when you ask a question please provide us the age of the child currently I would say that if your child is unable to latch properly so whenever you’re feeding Press your breast with your hands for the feeding of the milk is better because the milk flow is going to be better and hopefully that you do the trick
Mohammad amin has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. my baby have gastric problem..
Mohammad amin
Guardian of a 2 yr 11 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. use colimex df drops
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts red scretch marks
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. You can mix coconut oil and Kapoor together and that is what you can apply regularly want to your stretch marks is one of the best options that you can use currently other than that also I would recommend you that if you feel any kind of a burning sensation or irritation then you can have a word with your gynaecologist
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