The umbilical cord is a vital connection between mother and baby during pregnancy. It carries oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby and removes waste products. After birth, the cord is clamped and cut, leaving behind the belly button on a newborn’s abdomen.
In the days following birth, the remaining cord stump will dry up and fall off, leaving behind the belly button. This process usually takes 1-3 weeks. While waiting for the cord stump to fall off, proper care is important to avoid infection.
When does the umbilical cord fall off?
On average, the umbilical cord stump falls off between days 5-15 after birth. However, the timing can vary significantly between newborns:
- Day 3-5: Very early
- Day 6-14: Average
- Day 15-25: Late
Don’t worry if your baby’s cord falls off earlier or later than average. As long as there are no signs of infection, the timing itself is not concerning.
Signs of umbilical cord infection
While waiting for the cord to fall off, watch for these signs of infection:
- Pus or foul-smelling discharge
- Redness around the cord
- Warmth or swelling around the cord
- Fever in baby
- Severe belly button pain
Contact your pediatrician immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Umbilical infections need prompt treatment with antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics.
Caring for the umbilical cord stump
To reduce the risk of infection while the cord stump is attached:
- Fold diaper below cord to avoid contact with urine/stool
- Clean cord with alcohol swabs 1-2 times per day
- Let cord dry fully after cleaning before re-covering with diaper
- Avoid submerging cord under bath water
Once the cord falls off, you can resume normal newborn care such as bathing without special precautions.
Should you clean the belly button after the cord falls off?
No special cleaning is required once the cord stump detaches. Here are guidelines for umbilical cord care after it falls off:
- Wash belly button area gently with water only during baths.
- Do not use alcohol swabs or antiseptics on the belly button after cord falls off.
- Avoid scrubbing or vigorous rubbing of the healing belly button.
- Dry thoroughly after baths to prevent infection.
- Expose belly button to air when possible.
The umbilical area may look slightly raw or yellowish after cord detachment. This is normal and will heal within a couple weeks. If any signs of infection develop, contact your pediatrician.
Reasons to avoid cleaning inside the belly button
Here are reasons you should not attempt to scrub inside your newborn’s belly button after cord separation:
- Delicate skin: The freshly healed umbilical tissue is very delicate and sensitive.
- Risk of trauma: Scrubbing can disturb the healing tissue and introduce infection.
- Natural healing: The body is designed to heal the cord separation site without assistance.
- Narrow opening: It is difficult to effectively clean the deep recesses of the umbilical area.
When to call a doctor about the umbilical area
Consult your pediatrician if you notice any of the following after the cord stump falls off:
- Persistent redness or swelling
- Skin around belly button feels hot or tender
- Thick yellow/green discharge
- Foul odor coming from umbilicus
- Bleeding from belly button
- Baby has a fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
These could indicate an infection or improper healing of the umbilical cord site. Prompt medical treatment can prevent complications.
Home remedies for umbilical granulomas
Some babies develop small, red bumps called granulomas on the healing umbilical tissue. These are harmless but can bleed or ooze.
To help umbilical granulomas heal, try these home remedies:
- Expose granuloma to air & sunlight as much as possible
- Fold diaper below belly button temporarily
- Gently clean with water only; avoid scrubbing
- Apply silver sulfadiazine cream 2-3 times per day
- Press gauze onto area for 10 minutes if bleeding
See your pediatrician promptly if a granuloma persists longer than 2-3 weeks or bleeds frequently. They can apply special medication to cauterize the tissue.
Preventing belly button infections
You can help prevent umbilical infections in the following ways:
- Wash hands before touching cord stump
- Use hospital-provided alcohol swabs to clean cord 1-2x daily
- Only give sponge baths until cord falls off
- Keep diaper folded below cord
- Let cord dry fully after cleaning before re-covering
- Avoid submerging unhealed cord under bath water
Once the cord separates, continue to wash the area gently with water only. Dry thoroughly after baths. Check for signs of infection and contact your pediatrician if any develop.
When to see a doctor
Consult your pediatrician if you notice any of the following:
- Cord stump is still attached after 3-4 weeks
- Signs of infection such as pus, foul odor, warmth, or redness
- Bleeding from the umbilicus
- Persistent granuloma past 2-3 weeks
- Baby has fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
With proper umbilical cord care, the belly button should heal well without complications. Seek medical advice if you have any concerns about infection, healing, or granulomas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can my baby have a full bath after the cord falls off?
You can give your baby a full immersion bath as soon as the cord stump falls off, typically 1-3 weeks after birth.
How do I clean dried cord stump that is still attached?
Gently wipe off any dried blood or crust on the remaining cord stump using warm water and cotton swabs. Do not peel off any scab tissue – let the cord naturally detach.
What if the belly button bleeds after the cord falls off?
A small amount of bleeding or oozing is normal in the first days after cord separation. Apply gentle pressure with gauze for 5-10 minutes to stop minor bleeding. See your pediatrician if bleeding persists or is heavy.
Can I put ointment or alcohol on my baby’s belly button after the cord falls off?
No, avoid using any ointments, powders, or alcohol on the healing umbilical area once the cord stump detaches. Simply clean with water and allow to air dry.
How do I know if the cord stump is infected before it falls off?
Signs of cord infection include pus, foul odor, warmth, swelling, redness around the cord, and fever. Contact your pediatrician immediately if you notice any of these signs.
Is it normal for the belly button to look yellow after cord falls off?
Yes, it is normal for the umbilical tissue to appear slightly yellow or raw after the cord separates. This is part of the natural healing process. If it persists past 2 weeks, mention it to your pediatrician.
Should I cover the belly button area before the cord falls off?
Yes, keep the cord stump lightly covered with the diaper or clothing before it falls off. This prevents trauma. Fold the diaper below the cord so urine and stool do not contact it.
Conclusion
Caring for the umbilical cord stump and belly button is an important part of newborn care. With proper hygiene, the cord typically falls off within 1-3 weeks without issues. Avoid cleaning inside the belly button after cord separation to prevent infection and allow natural healing. Contact your pediatrician for assessment if you have any concerns about the appearance, healing, or infection of the umbilical area.