The newborn umbilical cord is the part that connects the baby to the placenta in the mother's womb. At the time of birth, the umbilical cord is usually cut to separate the baby from the placenta. The process of cutting the umbilical cord is done in a sterile manner to prevent infection.
Before the umbilical cord is cut, the blood that flows through it is still very important to the baby. This blood contains nutrients and oxygen needed by the baby while in the womb. Some studies have shown the benefit of delaying the cutting of the umbilical cord for some time after birth, as this allows more blood and nutrients to flow from the placenta to the baby before the cord is cut.
Normally, after the umbilical cord is cut, the remains of the umbilical cord and its covering will dry out and harden. It usually takes a few days to a few weeks for the umbilical cord to completely dry and detach on its own. During this period, it is important to keep the umbilical cord and surrounding area clean to prevent infection. The doctor or medical staff will provide instructions on how to properly care for a newborn's umbilical cord after birth. Here are tips on caring for a newborn's umbilical cord:
How long does it usually take for a baby's umbilical cord to fall off?
Quoted from the idai.or.id website, the umbilical cord will fall off generally within one week of life, but in some cases it can be slower up to 10-14 days after the baby is born.
Ensure the Cleanliness of the Umbilical Cord
Ensure that the umbilical cord and surrounding area is kept clean and dry. Whenever taking care of the baby, pay attention not to cover or rub the umbilical cord with clothes or diapers. Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight around the umbilical cord.
Avoid direct exposure to water
Avoid immersing the umbilical cord in water. As long as the umbilical cord has not been removed, avoid immersing it in water when cleaning the baby. Moms can clean the baby by using a damp sponge or soft cloth around the umbilical cord area.
Keep your hands clean
Before touching or cleaning the baby's umbilical cord, make sure Mos and dads' hands are clean. Wash your hands with soap and warm water before handling the baby or caring for the umbilical cord.
Let the umbilical cord fall off by itself
Do not try to lift or pull the umbilical cord. Let the umbilical cord fall off by itself. Do not try to lift or pull it, as this may cause bleeding or infection. Let the umbilical cord dry and fall off naturally.
Watch for signs of infection
If Moms and Dads notice any signs of infection in the umbilical cord, such as redness, swelling, bad odor, or pus discharge, contact a doctor immediately for proper medical treatment.
Keep the umbilical cord dry
Ensure that the umbilical cord remains dry at all times. If the umbilical cord gets wet or dirty, Moms and Dads can use a clean cloth or cotton swab to gently dry it. Avoid using alcohol or other cleaning agents without consulting the doctor first.
Pay attention to the care given by the doctor
The doctor or medical officer will give specific instructions on the care of the baby's umbilical cord. Follow the instructions carefully, and if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
Using Newborn Diapers with U-shape Belly Button
Caring for a baby's umbilical cord until it releases on its own takes different amounts of time for each child. Usually, the umbilical cord will dry up and fall off by itself in about 3-14 days. During this time, Moms and dads must pay attention to the health of the umbilical cord with proper care.
One easy way to care for the baby's umbilical cord is by using newborn diapers that are equipped with a u-shape belly button feature such as MAKUKU SAP Diapers. Newborn diapers from MAKUKU SAP Diapers have a belly button u-shape feature that can make it easier for parents to care for the umbilical cord. This belly button u-shape is a U-shaped curve on the front of the diaper.
Belly button u-shape from MAKUKU SAP Diapers serves to reduce friction between the umbilical cord and diapers. So that when your little one uses diapers, the umbilical cord will not be exposed and protected. Moms and dads also don't have to bother rolling or bending the front of the diaper to avoid friction between the diaper and umbilical cord.
First U-Shape Belly Button Award in Indonesia
The belly button u-shape feature found in all MAKUKU SAP Diapers variants was awarded as the "First diaper in Indonesia with Special Newborn U-shape Belly Button Feature" from TRAS N CO at the Indonesia Maternity, Baby & Kids Expo (IMBEX 2023) on December 1-3, 2023 at the Jakarta Convention Center Senayan, Jakarta.
Remember that umbilical cord care may vary slightly from place to place. Consult the doctor or medical staff caring for Moms and Dads' babies to get more specific care guidelines that suit your little one's condition. (Aq/MKK)
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