What to use to disinfect the umbilical cord of a newborn baby

As we all know, the umbilical cord is the channel for nutritional exchange between the baby and the pregnant mother. Newborns need nutrients through the umbilical cord so they can thrive. The umbilical cord must be cut short when the baby is born, and the umbilical cord has many uses. However, after cutting the umbilical cord, it must be properly disinfected, which is beneficial to the baby. So what should be used to disinfect the umbilical cord of a newborn baby? Let’s take a closer look at it together!

1. Pay attention to waterproofing

During the umbilical cord care process, parents should pay special attention to keeping the navel dry and not getting it wet by diapers or other items.

If you find that the baby's umbilical cord cloth is wet, you should change it immediately. Do not touch or wipe the belly button with dirty hands or dirty cloth. Do not cover the navel with a diaper to avoid contaminating the navel wound with urine or feces.

Especially when bathing, if the baby's umbilical cord is wet, you should first wipe it dry with a cotton swab and then provide care. Do not let your baby take a bath in the tub before the umbilical cord falls off. You can wash the upper body first, dry it, and then wash the lower body.

2. Pay attention and observe

Within 24 hours after the umbilical cord is tied, parents should closely observe whether there is any bleeding.

Some newborn babies may have a small amount of exudate or bleeding due to the loosening of the umbilical cord.

If you find that the gauze covering the umbilical cord is stained with blood or soaked, you should immediately ask the doctor to disinfect and re-ligate it.

3. Pay attention to disinfection

After bathing every day, you should disinfect with 75% alcohol, wiping from the center of the navel in a spiral shape to the surrounding areas. Do not rub back and forth randomly to avoid bringing bacteria on the surrounding skin into the navel.

After the umbilical cord of a newborn baby falls off, there will be a layer of scab at the root. After the scab falls off, there will be moisture or rice-soup-like liquid oozing out locally. At this time, parents can wipe it clean with a sterilized cotton swab dipped in 75% alcohol.

3. Seek medical attention promptly if there are any abnormal conditions

If the belly button and the skin around it become very red and feel hot to the touch, it is likely that the belly button is infected and you should take your baby to see a doctor immediately.

If you find granulation tissue, purulent secretions, redness, swelling, and bad odor at the base of the navel, and the navel is red and swollen, it means that omphalitis has occurred and you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening.