The “classic” in this series is “Caring for your Baby and Young Child, Birth to Age 5″.  The advice is reasonable, easy to read and follow.   (It’s not alarmist, unlike the “What to expect …” series which I do not recommend.)

–  David Epstein, MD

–  David Epstein, MD

The most important technique is to expose the base of the cord.  If the base is not exposed to air, then bacteria can thrive in the wet, low oxygen environment; this may lead to infection.

Hydrogen peroxide, wetted on a gauze or cotton ball, is perhaps the best choice for cleaning.  Rubbing alcohol was recommended in the past, but it tends to cause rashes.  A little mildly soapy water can also be used.

Grasp the cord with your fingers, and pull up gently.  At the same time, pull the skin away from the cord, all around the cord, to expose the yellow base.  Then you can clean, all around, with the gauze wetted with hydrogen peroxide.  If the cord smells bad or seems infected, you can smear a little antibiotic ointment (such as neosporin) around and on the base of the cord.

You can clean the cord as often as needed, perhaps 3 or 4 times a day.  You may be instructed not to bathe your baby in the tub until the cord falls off; but I don’t feel strongly about this.  If your baby seems dirty or sticky, you may give a quick (warm) tub bath, then dry the infant thoroughly; then open up the base of the cord (as above) to allow drying.

Textbooks say that the umbilical cord usually falls off by two weeks of age.  But my experience is that the cord may stay attached longer, sometimes as long as 4 weeks.  I suspect the reason is that patients take such good care of the umbilical cord that it takes a while to deteriorate!

If you see the skin around the umbilical cord getting red, he should be examined to rule out infection.  But this is unusual.

–  David Epstein, MD

A new feature is my pediatric blog.  From time to time, I’ll post some thoughts about timely topics affecting your children’s health.  Sometime’s I’ll write about seasonal issues; current news reports may also get some attention here.  Post your comments, and check back to see what’s new!  If you have an interest in a special topic that you’d like me to consider for the blog, please call us, speak to one of the staff, or email via the “Contact Us” page.  I’m always looking for interesting topics.  Thanks!

–  David Epstein, MD