Although it is something simple, it is very important to follow some guidelines to cure the umbilical cord of the newborn, otherwise, it could become infected. nothing else to be born the umbilical cord that unites the baby and the mother is cut during gestation. The path through which the baby obtains the food and oxygen that she needs to develop and grow inside the mother's womb.
Before cutting the cord, it is clamped to cut off the blood supply and thus begins the process by which it is separated from the baby's body, leaving room for the navel. This process lasts approximately between a week and 10 days and falls off naturally, but some guidelines must be followed to heal the area and avoid infections. Since it is an open wound and in a newborn.
Guidelines for healing the umbilical cord
The most important thing when it comes to curing the umbilical cord is extreme hygiene. In the past, antiseptics were used for this, but today it is known that the most effective is the use of water and a neutral soap. To perform the cures you can manipulate the forceps without fear, since this movement does not cause any pain or discomfort to the newborn.
Now, before starting, it is essential to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent germs from infecting the wound. Use warm water and soap, rub very well for a couple of minutes, focusing between the folds of the fingers. Then, rinse well with water and dry your hands with absorbent kitchen paper. You should also make sure utensils are sanitized and antiseptic pads are well sealed.
Regarding the frequency when curing the umbilical cord, it is recommended to do it about twice a day. The way to cure it is as follows. Prepare a small basin with warm water and a special neutral soap for newborns. Use a soft sponge, put it in the water, wring out the excess and clean the baby's navel carefully. You can move the clamp without fear since you will not hurt him. Then, dry very well with sterile gauze and leave it to air for a while to avoid moisture.
Other baby belly button care tips
Keeping the area dry is essential to favor the fall of the stump. Since humidity, in addition to causing infections, prevents skin from drying out and sloughing off naturally. For this same reason, it is not recommended to fully immerse the baby at bath time. The most advisable thing during the first days is to fill the baby's bathtub a little, so that it remains in the water but that the belly does not submerge.
Use a soft and natural sponge to gently wash the baby, who will also really enjoy feeling how the water falls from the sponge while looking at you. At the end of the bath, dry the newborn very well. making sure there is no moisture left in the belly button, and also drying well folds between fingers or extremities. Finally, you should take a good look at the area of the belly button to detect any possible infection.
These are some signs of infection:
- The skin around the belly button looks red.
- Pus comes out of the navel, a yellowish liquid.
- If the area gives off odours.
- The baby is overly sensitive when you touch the umbilical cord, this is a clear sign of infection and that's why it bothers him. Otherwise, the newborn does not notice the movement of the stump.
- The most important warning sign to watch for is fever.
If you notice any of these symptoms, the baby is also irritated and changes his mood, You should go to the pediatrician's office as soon as possible.. In most cases the infection can be treated with a simple antibiotic ointment. For other more serious cases, it may need to be given intravenously to stop the infection. In any case, you should not let time pass and at the slightest sign of infection when treating the umbilical cord, go to the health services.