Cord Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A small part of the umbilical (um-BIL-i-kal) cord (stump) will stay on your baby for a short period of time. The stump usually falls off in 6 to 8 days after birth. This area will usually completely heal within 2 weeks. The stump may be blue because of a dye your child's caregiver put on it to prevent infection. Give your baby a sponge bath instead of a tub bath until the cord falls off. Once the cord falls off, no special care of your baby's belly button is needed.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Keep a written list of what medicines your child takes and when and why your child takes them. Bring the list of your child's medicines or the pill bottles when you see your child's caregiver. Ask your child's caregiver for information about the medicines. Do not give your child any medicine without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always give your child his medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your child's caregiver if you think the medicines are not helping or if you feel your child is having side effects. Do not quit giving it until you discuss it with your child's caregiver. If your child is taking antibiotics (an-ti-bi-ah-tiks), give them until they are all gone even if you think your child feels better.
  
  
• Never give aspirin to your child without first asking your child's caregiver. Giving aspirin to your sick child may cause a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Read medicine labels to see if your child's medicine has aspirin.

• You should clean your baby's stump every time you give your baby a bath. You should sponge bathe your baby instead of tub bathing until the stump falls off. Gently wash the stump and around it with soap and water on a sponge or cloth. Gently dry the area when you are done with the sponge bath. Be sure the area is completely dry.
  
  
• Some caregivers may suggest using alcohol and a cotton swab to clean your baby's umbilical cord. Other caregivers may suggest letting the cord air-dry instead of using alcohol. Ask your caregiver how you should care for your baby's umbilical cord.
  
  
• Do not put any medicine on or around the stump unless your child's caregiver says it is okay. When you put a new diaper on, keep the front of the diaper folded below the cord. This will prevent wetness and the diaper from rubbing on the stump. When the stump is starting to fall off, you may see a few drops of blood on the diaper. You may also see some drops of blood around the stump. Do not worry. This is normal.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• There is pus (yellow or green drainage) or red skin around the base of the cord.
  
  
• The cord has a bad smell to it even after you clean it.
  
  
• You have any questions or concerns about your baby's care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your child has a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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