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What Do I Do About My Newborn's Navel Stump Falling Off Because Of The Child Tugging At It?
Question: My newborn bellybutton stump fell off because he was tugging on it accidentally it look red at the bottom from what I can tell it bleed for a little bit no more bleeding now and no fever it did have a smell what do I do?(next day)no fever still a little red dosnt cry if I touch it, a small smell to it if open he is 1 week old
Brief Answer:
Umbilical cord stump care
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
At present, the symptoms you described is not too concerning for an infection except for the foul smell.
You can clean around the stump with rubbing alcohol.
Do not bath your baby in the tub. Instead, clean him with a washcloth until the redness and foul smell subsides.
Do not cover the umbilical area with the diaper. Fold the upper portion of diaper down
Wear only loose fitting clothes.
You can also apply Neosporin ointment around the stump
If the redness and foul smell persist, if bleeding occurs or he develops a fever, please follow up with his pediatrician/urgent care.
Hope this answers your question
Please let me know if you need further clarification
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Umbilical cord stump care
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
At present, the symptoms you described is not too concerning for an infection except for the foul smell.
You can clean around the stump with rubbing alcohol.
Do not bath your baby in the tub. Instead, clean him with a washcloth until the redness and foul smell subsides.
Do not cover the umbilical area with the diaper. Fold the upper portion of diaper down
Wear only loose fitting clothes.
You can also apply Neosporin ointment around the stump
If the redness and foul smell persist, if bleeding occurs or he develops a fever, please follow up with his pediatrician/urgent care.
Hope this answers your question
Please let me know if you need further clarification
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
My mother suggested putting alcohol inside the belly button is that ok also when should I go to the hospital
Brief Answer:
Apply rubbing alcohol around the stump
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
You should not apply rubbing alcohol inside the belly button. Apply it around the umbilical stump only.
As I mentioned in above discussion If the redness and foul smell persist (in the next 24 hours), if bleeding occurs or he develops a fever, please follow up with his pediatrician/urgent care.
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Apply rubbing alcohol around the stump
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
You should not apply rubbing alcohol inside the belly button. Apply it around the umbilical stump only.
As I mentioned in above discussion If the redness and foul smell persist (in the next 24 hours), if bleeding occurs or he develops a fever, please follow up with his pediatrician/urgent care.
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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