Currently, many parents still do not understand the warning signs related to a baby's umbilical cord. In Indonesia, there are even myths, such as using antiseptics, alcohol, applying herbal oils on the umbilical cord, or placing a coin to achieve an ideal shape. In fact, these practices are unnecessary for caring for a baby's umbilical cord and can actually lead to infections.
So, how can parents recognize the warning signs of an infected baby's umbilical cord? Let's take a look at the following information:
Causes of Umbilical Cord Infection in Babies
The main cause of umbilical cord infection in infants (omphalitis) is exposure to bacteria. In addition to inadequate hygiene of the baby's umbilical cord, newborns with certain conditions are also more susceptible to omphalitis. This is characterized by swelling around the baby's umbilical cord, which appears swollen when the umbilical cord has not yet dried.
Signs of Danger in Baby's Umbilical Cord Infection
The baby's umbilical cord has direct access to the bloodstream, so even a mild infection can become serious and spread quickly. When the infection reaches the stage of sepsis, which is the spread through the bloodstream, it can result in serious illness, even life-threatening, affecting organs and body tissues. Here are the signs of an infected umbilical cord:
- Having a red color, swelling, warmth, or soft loop around the umbilical cord.
- Yellowish-green pus is flowing from the skin around the umbilical cord.
- The umbilical cord has an unpleasant odor around the umbilical cord.
- Body temperature rising, fever.
- The baby becomes tantrum or uncomfortable.
How to Overcome Baby's Umbilical Cord Problems
However, there's no need to worry, as every illness has its treatment. Here are some ways to treat an infected baby's umbilical cord that moms can try at home:
1. Maintaining cleanliness
Perilaku hidup bersih dan sehat (PHBS), adalah salah satu kunci untuk menjaga kebersihan dan kesehatan dalam melakukan perawatan bayi. Pastikan tangan moms dalam keadaan bersih sudah cuci tangan apabila mau membersihkan tali pusar bayi.
2. Use safe products
Choose good and safe products, especially for your beloved child, starting from the selection of medicines, lotions, ointments, or creams for baby care needs recommended by doctors to ensure optimal healing.
Maintaining the health of the umbilical cord means cleaning the skin around the umbilical cord to keep it clean and free from germs or bacteria that can cause umbilical cord infections. Make sure moms choose baby products with safe ingredients.
3. Make sure the umbilical cord is always dry
Selalu perhatikan apabila di area sekitar tali pusar, mengalami basah, lembab, ataupun terlihat ada cairan lebih baik mengelap menggunakan kain/tisu yang lembut dengan perlahan. Selain itu, moms bisa menempatkan bayi di tempat yang tidak lembab atau kering. Serta perhatikan saat memandikan si kecil, jika tali pusat belum lepas sebaiknya jangan merendam badan bayi agar tali pusat tidak basah.
4. Avoid adding anything
In the care of a baby's umbilical cord, it is advisable not to add powder or anything related to baby skin care, except for treatments recommended by a doctor.
5. Pay attention to diaper usage
The selection of diapers should not be random, moms. It's best to choose ones that are suitable and safe for newborns, such as MAKUKU SAP Diapers. MAKUKU diapers in NB size specifically for newborns have features to help care for the baby's umbilical cord.
MAKUKU SAP Diapers: Baby Umbilical Cord Care Solution
Many products claim to be the best, but it is important to look at their functionality. MAKUKU SAP Diapers feature a U-shaped belly button design on the front of the diaper to protect the baby's umbilical cord from friction with the diaper. This makes it easier for moms, as they no longer need to cut the front of the diaper. With this feature, the baby's umbilical cord will dry quickly.
This feature is available in the MAKUKU SAP Diapers Pro Care, MAKUKU SAP Diapers Slim, MAKUKU SAP Diapers Slim Care, MAKUKU SAP Diapers Comfort, and MAKUKU SAP Diapers Comfort Fit variants. MAKUKU has also received an award as the “First diaper in Indonesia with a special U-Shape belly button feature for newborns” from Tras n Co and Info Brand.
Additionally, MAKUKU's anti-clumping diapers feature a thin, quick-absorbing surface thanks to Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) technology. This makes the diapers dry faster and reduces the risk of diaper rash.
By recognizing the signs of an umbilical cord infection, moms can take preventive and appropriate measures to maintain the health of the umbilical cord until it detaches. So, moms, no need to worry anymore about taking care of your little one's umbilical cord, right? For optimal umbilical cord care, remember MAKUKU, which always provides protection and comfort for your child. (VIO/MKK)
