How long does it take for the belly button to heal after the umbilical cord falls off? The skin underneath the stump may be a little red when the dried stump first falls off, but it should soon heal—usually within two weeks.
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.
If you spot pus, bleeding, swelling, or discoloration, call your doctor right away. When the belly button has totally healed, the stump will easily fall off on its own. Some parents save the stump as a nostalgic reminder of the baby’s connection to mom.
After the cord falls off, continue sponge baths for a few more days. Help the belly button area dry up. Then, tub baths will be fine.
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Normal Navel Care:
- Keep the navel (belly button) clean and dry.
- If there are any secretions, clean them away. …
- Do this gently to prevent any bleeding.
How to identify an umbilical cord infection
- red, swollen, warm, or tender skin around the cord.
- pus (a yellow-greenish liquid) oozing from the skin around the cord.
- a bad smell coming from the cord.
- fever.
- a fussy, uncomfortable, or very sleepy baby.
How long does it take for the belly button to heal after the umbilical cord falls off? The skin underneath the stump may be a little red when the dried stump first falls off, but it should soon heal—usually within two weeks.
Your outlook depends on the cause of the odor. You can quickly resolve hygiene conditions by washing your belly button every day. With proper treatment, an infection should clear up within a few days. Here are more tips for managing body odor.
Who Gets Umbilical Hernias? Umbilical hernias are most common in newborns and infants younger than 6 months old. About 20% of babies have one. But older kids and adults can get them too.
How do I know if my baby has a hernia?
Symptoms of umbilical hernia include:
- A slight swelling or even a bulge near the belly button.
- The spot becomes larger and harder when the baby cries, coughs, or strains, due to the increase of pressure on the abdomen.
- Under normal circumstances, the hernia is not painful to the touch.
The only way to repair an umbilical hernia is through surgery. An umbilical hernia repair surgery helps to push the sac back into place and strengthen the abdominal wall. There are two types of surgery available to repair the hernia.
Ensuring the Diaper Fits Well
When you change your baby’s diaper you should also check: The waist is snug with the diaper just under the belly button. The leg cuffs wrap neatly around your baby’s legs and bottom. After putting on the diaper, run your fingers around these edges to make sure the cuffs are pulled out.
Taking care of the stump
Your baby’s umbilical cord stump dries out and eventually falls off — usually within one to three weeks after birth. In the meantime, treat the area gently: Keep the stump dry. Parents were once instructed to swab the stump with rubbing alcohol after every diaper change.
Infections in newborns remain a leading cause of death worldwide, and doctors believe umbilical cord infections (UCIs) are a major factor in this. However, in developed nations, serious complications from UCIs are rare, as long as the baby receives prompt medical treatment.
Antibiotic Ointment for Pus:
- If any pus is present, use an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin).
- No prescription is needed.
- Put a tiny amount on the belly button.
- Do this 2 times per day after the area has been cleaned.
- Do this for 2 days. After that, use the antibiotic ointment only if you see more pus.