Question
Newborn Care Measures: My baby is a premature infant, and recently, the baby has shown some unusual conditions that I am worried may worsen. What should be done for the care of a newborn’s umbilical cord after it falls off?
Answer
Generally, a newborn’s umbilical cord will gradually turn black and harden, and fall off after 1 to 2 weeks. If the umbilical cord has not fallen off after 2 weeks, observe for any signs of redness, swelling, or purulent discharge from the navel. If there are no signs of infection, there is no need to worry. Before the umbilical cord falls off, you can use alcohol to wipe the base of the cord to keep it dry, which helps accelerate the falling off of the cord and the healing of the navel.