A baby's umbilical cord might not be something that is pretty to look at. Many parents are worried about how they should care for the cord, and don't know how to treat it. However, caring for the cord is very simple and it will eventually fall off on its own.
The umbilical cord is the lifeline for the baby during pregnancy. It provides the baby with nutrients and oxygen, so that the baby can develop normally. After the baby is born, the cord is no longer needed, so it is clamped and snipped. This process leaves behind a short stump that is still attached to the baby's bellybutton. The umbilical cord doesn't contain any nerves that are pain-sensitive, so the baby doesn't even feel it when the cord is snipped. The stump that is left behind will eventually be the baby's bellybutton, but not at first. For a few days there will be a stump that might look ugly or concerning. However, there is nothing to be concerned about.
Before the baby's stump falls off, there are two things to remember. Keep the cord clean, and keep it dry. It will eventually change from yellowish green, to brown and then to black, and then will fall off. This usually happens by 2 weeks of life. Until then, clean and dry is the best way to go.
Keeping the cord clean used to be a matter of using rubbing alcohol. However, some researchers now say that the cord will heal faster if it is left alone. If it becomes dirty or sticky, wash it with soap and water, and then gently dry it. Make sure that the cord stays dry at all times. Air can help to dry it, or a soft and clean cloth. Be sure that you keep the front of the baby's diaper folded down so that it doesn't irritate the cord. Also, wet diapers should be changed right away so that they don't cause any irritation. The best way to keep the baby clean and take care of the stump is to use sponge baths for the baby. The stump will fall off on its own, so leave it alone and don't mess with it!
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