• The umbilical cord is cut soon after birth.

• After its cut, the cord starts drying out and slowly detaches from the baby by 7- 10 days.

• Never pull the cord or even touch the area with dirty hands

• If this area gets infected, it becomes an emergency

• You might have to do this 3- 4 times a day.

• It is very important to keep the cord dry and clean

   

EQUIPMENT

• Glove/ gown

• Galiput/ clean container

• Sterile water

• Cotton gauze

METHOD

• Place the baby on the baby mat.

• Undress the baby from the feet upwards to the waist(above the umbilicus)

• The nappy can be loosened such that the front end of the nappy is below the cord

• Look at the cord for any signs of infection or bleed.

• Now holding the end of the cord(the clip), gently lift the cord and clean around it with a clean cotton wool.

• Using a fresh cotton swab, wipe the cord to dry it.leave the cord exposed and be careful while putting back the nappy.

• It might help if you fold the front of the nappy area below the level of the cord to prevent the nappy scraping the cord.

• Now dress the baby