What Happens if You Get a Newborn's Umbilical Cord Wet?

Newborns come home from the hospital with gifts, well-wishes and a long list of instructions -- including how to care for the umbilical cord. Proper care is essential if the cord is to heal properly. One of the care requirements is to avoid getting the umbilical cord wet, but that is harder than it sounds. Fortunately, getting the umbilical cord wet probably won't harm your little one -- it just might delay the healing process.

  1. The Drier, The Better...

    • Your newborn's umbilical cord nourished her while she was in your womb, but now it's a somewhat scary-looking, shriveled-up stump. Don't worry -- there are no nerves in the umbilical cord, so the stump doesn't hurt your baby at all, even if it gets wet or you touch it. It needs to stay dry to heal properly and fall off, however, and this is why doctors recommend keeping it dry. Keeping it dry also reduces the chance of infection in the area around the cord -- your baby's future belly button.

    ...But A Little Water Won't Hurt

    • Don't be afraid of a little water. If your baby's umbilical cord gets wet, simply dry it off as best you can. Use a cotton swab to wipe around the cord. In the past, some doctors advised drying the cord with rubbing alcohol, but a study published by the University of York Centre for Reviews and Dissemination found that the use of rubbing alcohol on the umbilical cord does not hasten the drying process, nor does it provide any other benefits.

    To Bathe or Not to Bathe?

    • It's best to keep the umbilical cord as dry as possible, but that doesn't necessarily mean you can't give your baby a bath. No study shows that an occasional bath will hurt the umbilical cord area as long as you dry it thoroughly after the bath, according to the WebMD website. It's best to follow your baby's pediatrician's advice when it comes to baths: Some doctors may recommend sponge baths only until the cord falls off.

    Watch That Diaper

    • Water is one thing, but urine or stool is quite another. Sometimes, urine or stool may creep up the diaper to the umbilical cord area -- and this may lead to infection. Fold the diaper down -- not only will this keep the diaper material from irritating the cord, but it will create a barrier that will help hold urine and stool inside the diaper. If bodily fluids do get on the cord, wash the cord with water and a mild soap made for babies, and then dry it thoroughly. If the area around the cord looks red and sore, smells bad or is oozing or draining a liquid, call your baby's pediatrician immediately.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • What You Need to Know About Plastic Baby Bottles
      Its the controversy that just wont die: How safe is your babys bottle? Read on to cut through the hype. Why Are Bottles in the News? A rash of toy recalls has put child safety at the top of parents minds, and now another safety issue is in
    • How to Put Together a Newborn's Essentials
      Before you go broke buying another toy or gadget that your baby will never end up using, take a step back and consider the absolute essentials that your newborn will need. Many of your purchases can wait until the baby comes home and you settle into
    • How to Clean a Newborn Baby
      Sweet, soft and precious to behold, newborn infants wont need a daily bath for several months. A little ones sensitive skin needs washing no more than twice a week to stay supple and clean. With a little patience and preparation, parents can make bab