Newborn umbilical cord care is a matter that every new parent must pay attention to. About a month after the baby is born, the remaining part of the umbilical cord will gradually fall off naturally. During this period, parents should use iodine to disinfect daily: after each bath for the newborn, apply a clean cotton swab dipped in iodine, gently wipe the umbilical area, and ensure that the area is kept dry to avoid discomfort caused by friction.
The umbilical cord, as the channel through which the fetus receives nutrients in the mother’s body, is cut at birth, leaving a small segment that requires careful attention. Improper care may lead to infections in the umbilical area. Therefore, proper handling of the baby’s umbilical cord in the first month after birth is crucial. Many parents wonder if iodine can be used to care for a newborn’s umbilical cord, and the answer is yes. Iodine, as a topical antiseptic, can effectively eliminate various common bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and is suitable for disinfecting the end of the umbilical cord. The correct procedure is to dip a sterile cotton swab in a small amount of iodine after each bath, gently apply it to the umbilical cord, and then let it air dry naturally.
Be careful when bathing to avoid soaking the umbilical area; if it accidentally gets wet, dry it immediately and disinfect again. In addition, when wearing diapers, make sure not to cover the umbilical stump to avoid inflammation in the umbilical area. It is important to note that besides iodine, do not apply lotions or other oily substances in the umbilical cord area, as this may hinder drying and delay the healing process of the wound after the umbilical cord falls off.
