- The umbilical cord usually separates between 5 to 10 days after birth. But in some babies it may take three weeks or longer to separate.
- Keep the umbilical cord clean and dry. Whenever you notice some discharge at the base of the cord (i.e. the connection between the cord and the abdominal wall), e.g. after bathing or changing nappy, you have to clean it.
- How to clean the umbilical cord:
Use a cotton bud soaked with cool boiled water to clean the base of the umbilical cord. Use a new cotton bud for each swabbing, repeat the swabbing until the bottom of the cord is thoroughly clean. Finally, swab and clean the cord stump. Remember to clean the cord gently to avoid bleeding. - Do not wrap the nappy too tight and keep it underneath the cord. This can help to keep the cord dry and prevent the nappy from rubbing the cord that may cause bleeding.
- Do not use any dressing to cover the umbilicus or apply any medication such as oil, oilment, cord-powder or band-aid, etc. on it.
- You may notice a few drop of blood on the nappy around the time the stump falls off, it is normal. Continue to clean the umbilicus with cool boiled water regularly until it is completely dry. The wound will heal up within 2-3 days and the oozing will subside.
- Please bring your baby to Maternal and Child Health Centre (MCHC) or General Out Patient Clinic/ Family Doctor if you notice the following conditions:
- Signs suggestive of cord infection, like having reddened skin around the base of the cord, foul smelling or collection of pus;
- Presence of lumps at the umbilicus after the cord has fallen off;
- The cord and umbilicus seem pushing outward when the baby cries.
- If there is severe bleeding from the cord, please bring your baby to A&E Department so that medical staff can help to stop the bleeding early and to find out the cause of bleeding.
The information is provided by Family Health Service, Department of Health
Version 2.0 Effective date: 6. 2020
Photos are for reference only.
