The newborn umbilical cord is approximately 1 cm in diameter. After cutting, it represents a significant wound for the infant. Improper care can create a major entry point for pathogens, potentially leading to neonatal tetanus, neonatal sepsis, and other serious conditions. Therefore, meticulous care of the umbilical area is essential.
Improper Umbilical Cord Care: Beware of Neonatal Tetanus
New parents, take note:Improper care of the newborn's umbilical cord increases the risk of tetanus. Experts note that the vast majority of women of childbearing age lack immunity to tetanus. Beyond carefully caring for the newborn's umbilical area to prevent infection, vaccination of women of childbearing age or pregnant women with TT (Tetanus Toxoid) is an effective strategy for preventing neonatal tetanus.
Experts indicate that neonatal tetanus primarily occurs when the umbilical cord is cut with scissors that haven't been thoroughly sterilized during delivery, when the birth attendant's hands are unclean, or when the umbilical area isn't properly cleaned and disinfected after birth, allowing tetanus bacilli to enter through the umbilical site. Symptoms can appear as early as 2 days after birth or as late as 14 days or more, though the incubation period is typically 5 to 7 days.Early symptoms of neonatal tetanus include trismus (jaw clenching) and difficulty breastfeeding, followed by facial muscle spasms causing a grimacing expression. Paroxysmal tonic spasms may occur in the limbs. Severe cases involve respiratory and laryngeal muscle spasms, leading to asphyxia, respiratory failure, and cardiac failure.
Experts emphasize that vaccinating women of childbearing age or pregnant women with TT vaccine is an effective strategy to prevent neonatal tetanus. It is recommended that women aged 18–35 who are unmarried, using other family planning methods, or not currently planning to conceive receive TT immunization.
How to properly care for a newborn's umbilical cord?
1. Use waterproof umbilical cord stickers during baths. Pay extra attention when bathing your baby. Mothers can choose waterproof umbilical cord stickers to safely protect the baby's navel. After bathing, ensure prompt disinfection and care. Before disinfecting, thoroughly dry any moisture inside the cord with a sterile cotton swab.Back then, I used iodine tincture and hydrogen peroxide for disinfection.
2. Non-breathable diapers increase inflammation risk. Most babies wear diapers after birth, requiring special attention. Before the umbilical cord falls off, keep the area dry. Diapers must not cover the umbilical site, as moisture from wet diapers inevitably affects the navel.This can lead to inflammation. Mothers must change diapers frequently to prevent wet diapers from contaminating the umbilical area. Wet diapers are non-breathable, hindering drying and increasing inflammation risk.
3. Disinfect the umbilical stump daily. Even after the stump falls off, proper care is still essential. After my baby's stump detached, I let my guard down, assuming it was no longer an issue, and neglected it.Later, I noticed bleeding around the umbilical area, which made my heart race. I resumed careful daily disinfection. By the two-week mark, my baby's umbilical area had fully healed, and I could finally relax.
Editor's Note: Typically, a newborn's umbilical cord falls off naturally within about a week. If it hasn't detached yet, don't panic—just keep caring for it properly, as this is a critical period for umbilical cord care. If it hasn't fallen off after a long time, consult a doctor.