Taking care of the umbilical cord of a newborn.

The umbilical cord is very important for baby. Is that tube that connects the fetus to the placenta. Through it oxygen and necessary nourishment is brought from the placenta to the fetus. Once baby is born the umbilical cord is cut off leaving only a small stump that generally fall off between 7-21 days and this occurs naturally.

How to take care of a  umbilical cord

• We must clean the umbilical cord every day and make sure that it well dried.
• Until the 21 day or the falling off of the stump bath your baby with wash cloth or sponge.
• Use a cotton balls or cotton swab soaked in warm water to clean the stump.
• Use another cotton balls or cotton swab to dry the stump.
• Use newborn diapers that are suitable and adapted to his umbilical cord or use any other diaper but, make sure that it fasten just below baby's tummy.
• The stamp will fall off naturally never pull it out even if it seems like it is about to fall off.

Once the umbilical cord has fallen off it is normal and not dangerous when you see bleeding or minor discharge.
Get medical attention when the stump is bleeding continually and foul odor is being released.
Properly caring for the umbilical cord is very important to avoid infection.