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In medicine, the umbilicus refers to the scar on the abdomen, which results from the cutting of the umbilical cord at birth. The umbilical cord is part of the fetal cardiovascular system within the uterus that connects the fetus to the placenta.

It consists of two arteries wrapped around a single vein. After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut close to the baby’s body in a painless procedure, leaving a stump attached to the baby’s navel that is about 2-3 cm long.

The umbilical stump in babies must be properly cared for so that the stump falls off and the wound heals without any issues. The detachment of the umbilical stump can be a delicate process, primarily due to the possibility of infections, but with proper care, it should not cause any problems.

Below, we will explain how to properly care for the umbilical stump and everything you need to know about the umbilicus in babies. If you are concerned about how to care for your baby's umbilicus on your own, our home baby care services can take care of everything that new mothers may not know or are unable to handle independently.

What does umbilical stump care for newborns look like and why is it important?

The umbilical stump should be cared for until it falls off, and care for the umbilical wound should continue until it is completely healed and no longer moist. Care should be performed at least twice a day, ideally in the morning and evening during diaper changes, but at least once a day.

If the gauze is dirty or has become wet from urine, it should also be replaced, as it is important to keep the wound dry. The main goal of umbilical care is to dry out the umbilical stump as quickly as possible and to prevent infection. The umbilical stump dries quickly, within 3 to 4 days, and falls off in about 7 to 10 days. The umbilical wound usually heals by the end of the second week of life.

All future and new mothers are surely wondering how to care for a baby's umbilicus?

What does proper care of the umbilicus for newborns involve?

When caring for the baby’s umbilicus, it is important to have all your supplies within reach. Place the baby on their back and then carefully remove the old gauze. Then, using sterile gauze pads, gently clean the area around the wound, i.e., the skin around the umbilicus and the base of the umbilicus.

When cleaning the umbilicus and the area around it, you can use gauze soaked in Octenisept or Povidone-iodine. Then, using light pressure, clean the stump with the damp gauze, which will also encourage faster drying.

Finally, you can spray Octenisept directly onto the umbilical wound and stump, and cover the area with a clean, dry, sterile gauze to protect the wound. Although there are now adhesive pads for the baby’s umbilicus, the baby’s skin is still very sensitive, and it is better to secure the gauze with just the edge of the diaper.

It is also good to fold or roll down the edge of the diaper so that it is below the umbilical area to prevent moisture from the urine.

Should you bathe the baby if the umbilicus has not yet fallen off?

Such care is continued if the umbilicus has not fallen off and if the umbilical wound has not completely healed. During this period, the baby should not be bathed in a tub, as this could moisten the wound. The home care nurse will bathe the baby for the first time during her visit and will show you in detail what proper umbilicus care involves.

Later, if you notice that the wound starts to moisten and suspect an infection, be sure to consult your home care nurse, who will examine and clean the wound.

What does the detachment of the umbilicus in babies look like?

The remaining umbilical cord stump usually dries and falls off between 7 to 21 days, leaving a small wound that can heal within a few days. When the umbilical stump falls off, you may notice a little blood on the diaper, which is completely normal, and should not cause too much concern for parents.

Once the baby’s umbilicus falls off, you need to pay attention to the wound and maintain hygiene in that area for a few more days to ensure it heals properly.

Sometimes, after the stump falls off, there may be a discharge of yellowish drainage or pieces of tissue may fall off. These are umbilical granulomas, which can sometimes disappear on their own, but medical help may be needed.

However, granulomas are not a serious issue, and the most important thing is that they do not contain nerves, so any potential intervention is completely painless for the baby.

What if the baby’s umbilicus is bleeding?

As mentioned earlier, after the umbilicus falls off, a few drops of blood on the umbilical wound are considered normal, and a trace of blood on the diaper may be observed. If the baby’s umbilicus bleeds slightly, you can stop it by applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth for about 10 minutes. However, if the bleeding persists, be sure to consult a pediatrician.

How to minimize the risk of infection?

To minimize the risk of infection for your newborn’s umbilicus, we advise following these basic tips:

• Wash your hands carefully before any contact with the umbilical stump/umbilical wound.
• Clean the area around the umbilical stump and the umbilical wound strictly according to the instructions provided by the home care nurse or pediatrician.
• If there is moisture around the umbilical wound, consult with the home care nurse or pediatrician – do not apply any preparations to the baby’s umbilicus without prior consultation.
• Fold the baby’s diaper so that it does not touch the umbilical stump while the infection is present.
• Avoid dressing the baby in clothes that will press on the remaining umbilical cord.
• Avoid bathing the baby in a tub or submerging in water, or wetting the umbilical stump until the infection is gone and the stump falls off. Instead, bathe the baby by pouring water over them or wiping with a damp cotton cloth.
• Do not sprinkle any powders or talc on the umbilical stump.
• Do not attempt to remove the umbilical stump yourself; it will fall off when it is time.
• Carefully monitor for signs of possible infection (redness, swelling, or discharge in the area of the umbilical stump).

Until the umbilical stump heals, it should be monitored by the home care nurse, and after it falls off, the monitoring continues until the umbilical wound is fully healed. Therefore, the utmost dedication from all family members, especially the mother in the early weeks of the baby’s life, is essential.

The umbilicus in babies is very specific, and it is crucial to take proper care for its healing. The most important thing is to not fear caring for the baby’s umbilicus and to approach it with gentleness and responsibility. For any uncertainties, you can consult with the home care nurse or pediatrician.