The care of the umbilical cord

Towards the second week of life, all babies have lost the cord that leaves the fall, an area clean and well healed. While holding this ancient bond with the mother, it is necessary to keep it clean and completely dry.

Gauze and alcohol. At each change of diaper should be removed and the wet sticky material accumulated at the base of the cord, ie in the area of union with the skin. This maneuver is performed with a gauze soaked in alcohol 70 °, well drained. Thus, the cord is exposed to air and therefore dry faster.
It should also be taken to fold the diaper below the cord to prevent urine can reach it.

Sometimes, when removed, is spotted with a few drops of blood, something perfectly normal. Signs of problems. When the cord is infected, its base presents ugly smell and redness. The child cries when you touch the area. Usually, babies break to mourn the passing wet gauze, but this is not indicative of infection, but they feel the cold alcohol.

Once the cord has fallen, you may have a small area is brighter and clearer, and it is even possible that a liquid oozing blood stained. We should not panic, keep the wound clean and dry, it will heal in less than two weeks.