i. Umbilical Cord Care

In the first two weeks, your baby's umbilical cord will dry up and fall off.

Keep the umbilical cord clean and dry.You will receive information on how to care for your baby's umbilical cord while you are in the hospital.

See a doctor if:

  • the area around the cord becomes red or inflamed
  • the cord smells bad
  • ​it is leaking pus or liquid
 
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Test Your Knowledge

The following exercise will help you learn a little more about the care of your baby's umbilical cord.

Click on the option button which corresponds to the correct answer and verify your answer by clicking on the "Check" button.

1

You can bathe your baby even though the umbilical cord has not fallen off.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! It is not dangerous to bathe your baby before the umbilical cord falls off. You must, however, dry the area around the cord. This will not prevent the cord from falling off.Wrong answer! It is not dangerous to bathe your baby before the umbilical cord falls off. You must, however, dry the area around the cord. This will not prevent the cord from falling off.

Check your answer

2

You must use alcohol to clean your baby's umbilical cord.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Before, parents were told to use alcohol to clean the baby's umbilical cord two or three times per day. This is not necessary. Wrong answer! Before, parents were told to use alcohol to clean the baby's umbilical cord two or three times per day. This is not necessary.

Check your answer

3

It is important to keep the skin around the cord as clean and dry as possible.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Do not cover the baby’s belly button with a diaper until the cord falls off. This will allow air to circulate around the umbilical cord and keep it dry. Fold the top of the diaper down.Wrong answer! Do not cover the baby’s belly button with a diaper until the cord falls off. This will allow air to circulate around the umbilical cord and keep it dry. Fold the top of the diaper down.

Check your answer

4

The area around the umbilical cord is sensitive for the baby.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! You will not hurt your baby if you move the cord or clean the area around it. Wrong answer! You will not hurt your baby if you move the cord or clean the area around it.

Check your answer