Your baby will have an umbilical cord stump for a while, but when does it fall off?
As a new parent, one of the first things you may notice about your newborn baby is the umbilical cord stump. It is the remaining piece of the umbilical cord that is left after your baby is born. This stump is an important part of your baby’s healing process. Understanding when and how it will fall off is crucial for the proper care of your newborn.
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When your baby is born
When your baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut and clamped. This leaves a small stump that is typically about 1-2 inches long. This stump will begin to dry out and shrink over the next few days. Eventually, it will fall off on its own. The process of the umbilical cord stump falling off is called “umbilical cord separation”.
It is important to note that the timing of umbilical cord separation can vary greatly from baby to baby. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for the stump to fall off completely. In some cases, it can take as long as a month for the stump to fall off. Typically, the umbilical cord stump will fall off within the first two weeks of the baby’s life.
Proper care
To care for the umbilical cord stump, it is important to keep it clean and dry. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a damp cloth or cotton swab to gently clean the area around the stump. Avoid submerging the stump in water or using alcohol to clean it. It’s also important to keep the stump exposed to air as much as possible and avoid covering it with tight clothing or diapers.
Healing
During the healing process, it’s common for the stump to change color and texture. The color may turn from a dark purple or blue to a yellowish-brown. It may also appear wet or sticky. This is normal and nothing to be worried about. However, if the stump becomes red, swollen, or oozes pus, it’s important to notify your pediatrician as it may be a sign of infection.
It is also important to note that it is normal for the baby to have a small amount of bleeding from the stump when it falls off. This is not a cause for concern and should stop within a few minutes. If the bleeding continues, contact your pediatrician immediately.
In conclusion, the umbilical cord stump is an important part of your newborn baby’s healing process. Understanding when and how it will fall off is crucial for proper care. It’s important to keep the stump clean and dry. Watch for signs of infection, and contact your pediatrician if you have any concerns. With proper care, your baby’s umbilical cord stump will fall off on its own. Typically within the first two weeks of life.
