Change Your Babys Diaper
with ease Change your babys diaper with ease by using a changing pad. Instead of crawling around on the floor, you can use these convenient devices to safely change your newborns diaper. With a pad, your baby will be elevated off the ground and your hands will have ample space to make the necessary changes. Plus, you dont have to worry about getting dirt or any other materials on the floor. Your baby will be safe and clean as you change their diaper with a changing pad in place. This is also true for other products like cloth diapers that you may want to use instead of disposable ones. A changing pad can work as an alternative place for you and your baby to change cloth diapers without having to do it on the ground or on a high chair surface that doesnt provide proper protection from germs.
Toss The Diaper Into The Washing Machine
If youre struggling to figure out how to put a diaper on your newborn with the umbilical cord still attached, you can follow this simple trick. First, find an old diaper that doesnt have any holes and carefully unfold it by removing one of the tabs. Next, take the babys legs and place them in the bottom half of the diaper and gently tuck them under. Finally, pull up as much of the front half of the diaper as possible so that it covers all parts of the baby. Instead of sticking a new diaper on your little one, use this method and toss it into your washing machine for a clean change later on!
Bath Time And Umbilical Cord Care
Until the stump falls off and your baby’s belly button heals, it’s best to stick with sponge bathing so that you avoid soaking the stump in water. You don’t need to sponge bathe your baby every day two or three times a week is usually enough.
You may wish to use sponge bath time to gently clean the umbilical cord stump as well.
To give your little one a sponge bath, get everything ready that you’ll need like
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a bowl of warm water
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a wet cotton swab or cotton ball
Lay your baby down on a padded flat surface â like the changing pad on the changing table, or on the floor on a soft towel â with your supplies within reach. Never leave your baby unattended during the sponge bath if she’s on a raised surface, such as the changing table, keep the safety strap fastened and a hand on her at all times.
Keep your little one covered in a towel so she doesn’t become chilled, exposing only the parts of the body that are being washed. Start with her face, using the damp washcloth but no soap so that you don’t get soap in her eyes. Then add soap to the water and continue to gently clean the rest of her body, especially the folds of her skin around her neck, ears, and genital area.
For the umbilical cord stump area, follow the umbilical cord care tips listed above. You may wish to use a wet cotton ball or a swab to clean the skin around the stump area, being careful not to get the stump itself wet.
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How To Care For Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord When It’s Still Attached
According to Florencia Segura, MD, of Einstein Pediatrics in Virginia, keeping the umbilical area dry is key. Families are advised to fold the top of the baby’s diaper down and away from the stump, to keep away from moisture and make sure it’s exposed to air as often as possible, says Dr. Segura. Exposing the stump to air will help the base of the stump dry out and speed up the healing process.
Because it’s so important to keep the umbilical area dry, it’s also advised to stick to sponge baths until the stump falls off. Lyndsey Garbi, MD, Chief Pediatrician at telehealth platform Blueberry Pediatrics, explains that you want to avoid submerging the area in water like you would in a typical bath. Instead, she advises families to use a washcloth to gently dab the area with gentle soap and water.
Dr. Segura and Dr. Garbi agree that using topical antiseptics, such as alcohol wipes, is not necessary, as it does not significantly reduce the risk of infection. Washing your own hands before diapering and bathing your baby is helpful for infection prevention.
What To Do When The Umbilical Cord Falls Off
Most cords dry completely and then fall off, leaving behind a cute baby belly button. You might notice a small raw spot or a bit of blood-tinged fluid oozing out. Try not to worry this is also normal. But if you notice more profuse bleeding, call the doctor.
In some cases, the cord may form reddish-pink scar tissue called an umbilical granuloma, which may secrete a yellowish discharge. This should clear up in a week, but if it doesn’t, check in with your babys pediatrician. An umbilical granuloma is a very treatable condition.
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Umbilical Cord Care In Newborns
Cord – umbilical Neonatal care – umbilical cord
The umbilical cord connects the baby to the mother’s placenta. During fetal development in the womb, the umbilical cord is the lifeline to the baby supplying nutrients. After birth, the cord is clamped and cut. Eventually between 1 to 3 weeks the cord will become dry and will naturally fall off. During the time the cord is healing it should be kept as clean and as dry as possible.
A sponge bath is the best way to clean your baby until the umbilical cord falls off. To give a sponge bath, dip a soft cloth in the warm water and wring out the excess. If needed, a mild soap can be used in the water. Wipe the baby’s skin gently starting from the area of the baby’s head and work your way down to the rest of the body. Pay special attention to the skin creases and diaper area. Rinse your baby with clean warm water and dry him or her completely.
What To Do When Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord Detaches
Once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off, it’s best to wait 24 to 48 hours before giving the baby a bath to make sure any raw areas around the belly button have completely dried, according to Segura.
In most cases, no further action is necessary. Sometimes, however, there can be a soft pinkish area around the belly button with excess tissue called an umbilical granuloma, says Dr. Segura. But no need to fret â umbilical granulomas are not painful to your baby and are easily treated by your pediatrician.
Additionally, if you see pus or blood around the belly button, call or visit your pediatrician. You want to be sure that the area didn’t develop an infection.
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How Long Does The Belly Button Take To Heal
The belly button should heal completely in days. It may bleed or ooze a little after the cord falls off, but if there is continuous stickiness or discharge, it may be infected and you should show your doctor or maternal and child health nurse.
Sometimes the belly button does not heal completely and moist red tissue forms over the stump site, often with a lump present. This is called a granuloma. It is usually harmless, but you should ask your doctor or child and family nurse to have a look at it.
How Do I Care For My Babys Belly Button After The Umbilical Cord Falls Off
Your childs belly button might bleed a little when the cord falls off. Bleeding is similar to a scab falling off and light bleeding is normal. If your child bleeds continuously when their cord falls off, visit the emergency room.
A couple of days after the stump falls off your baby, continue giving them a sponge bath to make sure the entire cord removed itself and there is no bleeding from the area. Then, you can let your baby take a bath in a tub.
Can I throw away my babys umbilical cord stump when it falls off?
Yes, you can dispose of your babys umbilical cord stump after it falls off.
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How Long Does It Take To Recover
When the serious infection is caught early, most babies recover fully within a couple of weeks. But they usually need to stay in the hospital while they receive intravenous antibiotics.
If your baby had surgery to drain the infection, the opening may have been packed with gauze. The gauze will keep the cut open and allow the pus to drain. Once the draining stops, the gauze is removed and the wound will heal from the bottom up.
Changing Your Babys Diaper And Protecting The Umbilical Cord Stump
You can read about how to change a diaper here, but keep in mind that in these first few weeks youâll need to be extra careful to protect the umbilical cord stump area.
If the cord stump hasnât fallen off yet, use notch-cutout diapers or fold down the top of the diaper to prevent urine from reaching the stump and to prevent the diaper itself from irritating the stump.
For the umbilical cord stump area, follow the umbilical cord care tips listed above. You may wish to use a wet cotton ball or a swab to clean the skin around the stump area, being careful not to get the stump itself wet.
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How To Clean Babys Umbilical Cord
Don’t be afraid to clean your newborn’s umbilical cord. Be sure that you have washed your hands before handling the cord. If the umbilical cord becomes soiled with urine or feces, you should clean the area when you change your babys diaper. To clean the cord safely, take a cotton swab, cotton square or cotton round and clean around the base of the umbilical cord with clean water.
Remember to avoid covering the cord with the diaper, because the cord area should be kept dry and clean at all times. If the diaper is too high, fold it down on your baby before securing. You can also buy special newborn diapers that have a space cut-out for the umbilical cord.
Caring For The Umbilical Cord
With a cotton swab, clean around the umbilical cord every day until the belly button is healed. Dont worry, this doesnt hurt your baby.
The umbilical cord is white at birth, but darkens as it dries. It drops off by itself between the 5th and 21st day.
Clean around the umbilical cord every day until the belly button heals.
Here are a few tips for cleaning the umbilical cord and keeping it dry:
- Gently clean the area with a cotton swab soaked in warm water. Dont use alcohol because it delays the cord dropping off.
- Dry with another cotton swab. Rub the cotton swab around the umbilical cord . You wont hurt your baby, and that way you make sure that the cord is properly dried.
- Avoid covering the cord with the diaper or a compress. It must always stay dry. Fold the diaper under the belly button to prevent irritation.
Remember to dry around the cord after bathing your baby.
The cord may remain half attached for 2 to 3 days. Dont try to pull it off. It can also leave traces of blood on your babys diaper or clothes. Once the cord has fallen off, a few drops of blood may flow from the scar. This isnt dangerous the belly button will heal on its own.
Talk to a health professional if
- redness appears or becomes more intense
- the belly button oozes fluid
- the belly button smells bad
- you have any other concerns
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How To Take Care Of Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord
Your babys health care provider will give you instructions on how to care for your newborns umbilical cord. Dr. Perisa says these instructions typically include:
- Exposing it to air
- Making sure to keep the cord dry when giving your baby sponge baths until the cord falls off
- Letting your healthcare provider know if the cord has not fallen off by three to four weeks of life
In addition, Dr. Perisa says you should fold the baby’s diaper down so the cord is not covered by it. This helps ensure the cord stays dry and helps reduce the chances that the cord will get dirty with urine or stool.
- Bleeding from the end of the cord or the area near the skin
- Moisture, an unusual odor, or discharge from the cord
- Swelling or redness of the skin around the navel
- Signs that the navel area is painful to your baby
For parents who may be getting anxious about when their babys cord will fall off, Dr. Perisa offers an important reminder: Dont try to remove the cord yourself. Just give it time, it will fall off on its own.
When the cord does fall off, there may be a small amount of blood, which is normal, Dr. Perisa says. However, if you are ever worried or have questions, please call your babys health care provider for guidance.
What Are The Signs Of An Umbilical Cord Stump Infection
Infections are rare, but consult your baby’s doctor if:
- Your baby cries when you touch the cord or the skin next to it.
- The skin around the base of the cord is red.
- The stump smells foul or has a yellowish discharge.
Also call the doctor if the stump bleeds continuously, as this may be a sign of a bleeding disorder.
Find out more about newborn care.
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When Its Diaper Rash
Change your babys diaper as soon as you see its been soiled. A common reason for diaper rash is that babys urine or stool stayed too long on her skin. Talk to your babys healthcare provider if your baby has a red rash in the diaper area that appears swollen, or has red bumps or raised areas.
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your child’s doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your child’s provider.
At Each Diaper Change
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Keep your baby rash-free by cleaning his or her bottom every time you change diapers.
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Wash away urine and stool with a warm, wet cloth, or commercial baby wipes, and dont forget to clean between the skin folds.
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Wipe girls from the front to the back to help prevent infection.
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Dry your babys bottom completely before putting on the clean diaper.
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You might want to apply a barrier diaper rash ointment to prevent diaper rash at each diaper change.
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What Are The Signs Of Infection
Signs of infection may include if the cord:
- The base appears red or swollen
- Continues to bleed
- Oozes yellowish or white pus
- Produces a foul-smelling discharge
- Seems painful to your baby
Signs of infection of the umbilical cord stump can result in omphalitis . This is considered a serious condition and needs to be treated immediately.
What To Expect From Babys Umbilical Cord
The umbilical cord is clamped a few millimeters from the body and then cut. The clamp helps stop the bleeding from the three blood vessels in the umbilical cord, two arteries, and one vein. Allowing part of the cord to stay on the body and fall off on its own is what creates a belly button.
Most U.S hospitals practice dry cord care now, but if not, they may apply a medication to the cord once its cut that is a purple dye or a different antiseptic.
Umbilical cords tend to look worse than they are. They start white and shiny, and as they dry out, they might become gray, yellowish, brown, or black.
Once the stump falls off, you may see a red or raw looking area under where the stump fell off. Sometimes even a small amount of liquid tinged with blood may ooze out of the navel. It is called umbilical granuloma. That is normal. However, if it does not dry up within 1-2 weeks, , they may prescribe a drying medication called silver nitrate in addition to standard umbilical cord care.
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Skin Irritation From Dry Cord
The redness superior to the umbilical cord in this photo is simply irritation from the hard, dry umbilical stump rubbing against the abdomen. Because omphalitis is a dangerous condition, redness in this area should be carefully evaluated. However, the localized nature of the redness here, along with the fact that it is somehat removed from the actual insertion of the cord and appears very superficial is reassuring that infection is not the underlying etiology.