Umbilical hygiene of the newborn

• April 24, 2024

The piece of umbilical cord that remains attached to belly button can become a terrible focus of infection for the baby Therefore, it is very important to dedicate the necessary time for your care and cleaning .

In most cases, the umbilical cord is detached from the body of the newborn between the eighth and tenth days of life, to give birth to the navel; However, in some neonates this occurs on the third day of birth, which does not mean malformation or disease.

Some cleaning recommendations of the medical specialists of the Health Management Institute of Spain are:

• Handwashing before manipulating the area
• Take the sterilized gauze by the four ends, so that the fingers do not make contact with the central part of the surgical material
• Each time the diaper is changed, clean the base of the umbilical cord with water and neutral soap, helping with gentle circular massage and when finished, dry the area with sterile gauze
• With the help of another gauze, clean the distal part of the umbilical cord
• Place the folded diaper under the cord. This will avoid moisture in the urine or infection with the stool. It is important to remember that, at the beginning, the newborn is expelling traces of meconium along with very liquid stools that can spread throughout the surface of the diaper.
• Once the cord falls, it should be cleaned and dried very well between the folds; It is essential that the cleaning continue in the same way for 2 or 3 days, until it heals
• Caring for cures 3 times a day and whenever necessary, by urine or bowel movements

CConsult the pediatrician if :

• The umbilical cord has not come off by the third week
• The skin around the navel is reddened
• The navel gives off a smell of putrefaction, blood or secretions

Neonatal health is an important aspect to avoid future complications. Pediatricians or neonatologists are doctors trained to offer more advice and follow up on the complications of newborns.

Video Medicine: UMBILICAL CORD CLEANING & Infant Tummy Time | Dr. Paul (April 2024).