Question
After a newborn is born, when does the umbilical cord usually fall off? Why has my baby’s umbilical cord not fallen off after more than a week of birth? Generally, when does the umbilical cord fall off? What should be paid attention to when caring for the umbilical cord? How should umbilical cord care be performed?
Answer
Caring for a newborn’s umbilical cord only requires following three simple principles. First, keep it dry. The umbilical cord must be kept dry until it completely falls off. If the cord root gets wet accidentally during a bath, use a clean cotton swab to wipe it clean before proceeding with the cord care. Second, avoid friction. Make sure the size of the diapers fits properly; absolutely do not let the waistband of the diaper sit directly on the cord root, as this can cause friction during movement, leading to skin breakdown and redness, and even infection. Lastly, avoid excessive moisture. Never apply creams, lotions, or oils to the cord root, as this can make it difficult for the cord to dry and may lead to infection.