Umbilical Cord Fell Off Gooey Underneath

If you notice any signs of infection or your baby seems to be in pain, call your pediatrician. A course of antibiotics will get your baby’s belly button back to healing in no time.

Umbilical cord fell off but it looks a bit infected?

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/15/000/079/P4drmETAeGKDGzHIXdafrYV1d1ncMihb

Her stump fell off yesterday and her belly button looks a bit red with some bleeding and a bit of yellowish puss in the centre. Google tells me two things:
1) this is normal – just keep it clean and dry
2) this is not normal – call practitioner immediately

advertisement

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/15/000/079/P4drmETAeGKDGzHIXdafrYV1d1ncMihb

Lexi’s looked the same. Doctor wasn’t worried. I never knew bellybuttons started off so gross. Lol

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/21/000/353/LAJxvfcRjgkcYVaxW0GnCFzld9fBJtB9

I believe normal. My sons looks the same and DR said last week that its normal to look a little red around the area and the yellow in the middle is just tissue healing. If there is actual puss leaking, bleeding that actual bleeds and not just dried blood, or hot to touch on the redness, it’s healing normal. And it’s getting better by the day. I noticed after a warm bath the day it fell off, it looked much better and cleaner.

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/15/000/079/P4drmETAeGKDGzHIXdafrYV1d1ncMihb

Sounds normal. Monitor it and try to avoid touching it etc. but sounds like my sons did.

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/15/000/079/P4drmETAeGKDGzHIXdafrYV1d1ncMihb

Original poster

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/13/000/359/xxeLPGe9taFRnzpjmKHUa81oKIbfGbxu

Here’s a picture

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/17/000/313/VxGqqa7IIXbmDg8UHcGZTotFYCyygE3r

That doesn’t look good to me

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/21/000/353/LAJxvfcRjgkcYVaxW0GnCFzld9fBJtB9

Hmm. It does look a bit red. Does she cry when you touch it? The yellow in the centre is what my baby’s looks like. But it’s redder on the outside.

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/15/000/079/P4drmETAeGKDGzHIXdafrYV1d1ncMihb

Original poster

I cleaned the area with a warm facecloth a little while ago and dried it after and she didn’t seem bothered at all but she’s a tough little cookie.. I think I’ll take her in to get it looked at.. Too bad her new born photos are tomorrow morning lol. It’s not exactly picture ready.. Hoping it’s not a bad infection! Poor baby :(. This mom stuff is stressful!

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/5/000/339/6u6wTbWNj3mfLyFuhx2skaIhMf4GQYov

In reply to KatoHarper

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/13/000/359/xxeLPGe9taFRnzpjmKHUa81oKIbfGbxu

Here’s a picture

That’s exactly how my daughters looked and I was in a panic thinking it was infected. Normal! It went away!! I used qtips with water as well as alcohol swaps to dry it up.

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/15/000/079/P4drmETAeGKDGzHIXdafrYV1d1ncMihb

Original poster

In reply to Ranza

That’s exactly how my daughters looked and I was in a panic thinking it was infected. Normal! It went away!! I used qtips with water as well as alcohol swaps to dry it up.

Ughhh.. I just got off the phone with a telehealth nurse who said that by the sounds of it, it’s normal. I feel so much better.. I’m still going to keep a close eye on it but I’m not freaking out as bad now. Thanks!

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/15/000/079/P4drmETAeGKDGzHIXdafrYV1d1ncMihb

That’s how my little guys was too. I just washed it well in the bath and then wiped it with an alcohol wipe 3x a day (dries it out nicely) it’s looking 100 percent now

First page | Last page

Recent posts in April 2015

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/15/000/079/P4drmETAeGKDGzHIXdafrYV1d1ncMihb

by Ttc77777

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/15/000/079/P4drmETAeGKDGzHIXdafrYV1d1ncMihb

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/15/000/079/P4drmETAeGKDGzHIXdafrYV1d1ncMihb

by Tawnyk11

Ask a question or share your story

Are you sure you want to delete?

Track your baby’s development

Umbilical Cord Fell Off Gooey Underneath

Join now to receive free weekly newsletters tracking your baby’s development and yours throughout your pregnancy.

April 2015

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/14/000/079/kltNdHuAgKewqZWZlYBafPvro04lAp53

Meet other parents of April 2015 babies and share the joys and challenges as your children grow.. more

Group owners

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/24/000/407/aWfYplhDVhpksZFdCiZo5wIxkK0XHrRO https://imageserve.babycenter.com/4/000/443/kZAMx6GmgkoTzUvhp5UNB6QDtzk8bPo2

Group members (3339)

https://imageserve.babycenter.com/15/000/079/P4drmETAeGKDGzHIXdafrYV1d1ncMihb https://imageserve.babycenter.com/15/000/079/P4drmETAeGKDGzHIXdafrYV1d1ncMihb https://imageserve.babycenter.com/15/000/079/P4drmETAeGKDGzHIXdafrYV1d1ncMihb https://imageserve.babycenter.com/15/000/079/P4drmETAeGKDGzHIXdafrYV1d1ncMihb https://imageserve.babycenter.com/15/000/079/P4drmETAeGKDGzHIXdafrYV1d1ncMihb https://imageserve.babycenter.com/15/000/079/P4drmETAeGKDGzHIXdafrYV1d1ncMihb

Group details

11852 posts
Created 21/02/14

advertisement
advertisement
TOP RESOURCES

  • Find your birth club
  • Meet local parents & parents-to-be
  • Discuter en français

POPULAR GROUPS

  • Debate team
  • Trying for a baby
  • Trouble conceiving
  • IVF support group
  • First time moms & moms-to-be
  • High-risk pregnancy
  • Swap baby name ideas
  • Sex & relationships
  • Life with a new baby
  • Breastfeeding support
  • Parents of toddlers
  • Coping with miscarriage

TOP RESOURCES

  • Before you begin
  • Ovulation & timing
  • Top 10 signs of pregnancy
  • Best sex positions
  • Ovulation calculator
  • Fertility tips for men
  • All about pregnancy tests
  • How ovulation predictors work
  • Fertility signs: cervical mucus
  • Can you choose your baby’s sex?
  • The cost of fertility treatments

POPULAR TOPICS

  • Trying for a baby
  • Your growing family
  • Sex & conception
  • Infertility & trouble conceiving

TOP RESOURCES

  • Symptoms you should never ignore
  • How big is your baby?
  • The best & worst foods for pregnancy
  • Due date calculator
  • Your first pregnancy scan
  • Planning maternity leave
  • Baby names finder
  • Hospital bag checklist
  • Signs of early labour
  • Parental leave & EI: your rights

POPULAR TOPICS

  • Your pregnancy week by week
  • How your baby’s developing
  • Early pregnancy guide
  • Labour & birth
  • Baby name inspiration

TOP RESOURCES

  • Baby milestones 0-6 months
  • Swimming with your baby
  • Immunizations: what to expect
  • How much formula?
  • Car seats: know the law
  • When can your baby sleep through?
  • 7 surprising facts about fever in babies
  • Name that rash!
  • Baby poo: what’s normal?
  • 8 reasons babies cough
See also  Tylenol 3 Side Effects

POPULAR TOPICS

  • Newborn care
  • Top breastfeeding tips
  • Baby development
  • First foods

TOP RESOURCES

  • Toddler development milestones
  • Coping with tantrums
  • 15 quick & easy meal ideas
  • Vitamin supplements for toddlers
  • How much milk does your toddler need?
  • Learning to talk
  • Ways to ease teething pains
  • Signs your toddler needs a doctor
  • Constipation in toddlers
  • Vomiting: what’s normal?

POPULAR TOPICS

  • Your toddler month by month
  • Potty training
  • Top sleep tips
  • Games & activities

TOP RESOURCES

  • Giving your child a healthy diet
  • How much sleep does your child need?
  • Coping with aggression
  • 7 signs your child loves you
  • What to do about nail biting
  • Symptoms of scarlet fever
  • How kids learn to share
  • Help your child learn to read
  • Ways to avoid spoiling your child
  • All about molluscum contagiosum

POPULAR TOPICS

  • Your child month by month
  • Easy arts & crafts
  • Top behaviour tips
  • Bed wetting
  • Fun games & play ideas

TOP RESOURCES

  • Your body after birth
  • Healthy post-birth weight loss
  • Postnatal symptoms to watch out for
  • Managing postnatal depression
  • Sex & relationships
  • Finding the right childcare
  • Your rights & benefits
  • How to save money on baby costs
  • Trouble-free travel 0-8 months
  • When can you fly with your baby?
  • Does your baby need a passport?

POPULAR TOPICS

  • Life as a mom
  • Life as a dad
  • Family finance tips

TOP CONTENU

  • Ovulation et conception
  • 10 signes de grossesse
  • Quelle est la taille de votre bébé?
  • Symptômes de grossesse à ne jamais ignorer
  • Toux, rhumes et grippes enceinte
  • Moyens naturels pour déclencher l’accouchement
  • Conseils de sommeil pour nouveau-nés
  • Quelle quantité de lait pour votre bébé?
  • Selles de votre bébé : normales ou pas?
  • C’est quoi cette rougeur?

THÈMES PRÉFÉRÉS

  • Votre grossesse étape par étape
  • Développement foetal
  • Choisir le prénom de votre bébé
  • Anticiper la naissance
  • Aliments solides

TOP VIDEOS

  • How pregnancy changes your body
  • Pregnancy scans: what to expect
  • The best clothes to wear in labour
  • Signs that labour is near
  • What happens during childbirth
  • Real births: induction
  • Real births: natural birth
  • Real births: twins
  • How to clear your baby’s blocked nose

VIDEO COLLECTIONS

  • Fetal development stage by stage
  • Le développement foetal en français
  • Labour & birth
  • Postpartum exercises

Get the BabyCenter app
The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth.

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

Umbilical Cord Fell Off Gooey Underneath

ABOUT BABYCENTER

  • Contact us
  • Community guidelines
  • Email subscriptions
  • Account details
  • Family information
  • Popular pages

OTHER SITES

  • BabyCenter US
  • BabyCenter en Español
  • Australia

Connect with us

© 2006–2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. All rights reserved.

This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.

This site is published by BabyCenter, L.L.C., which is responsible for its contents as further described and qualified in the Terms of Use.

Support for your parenting journey. Delivered to your inbox.

My Baby This Week Newsletter

Keep up with your baby’s development with personalized weekly newsletters.

The BabyCenter Bulletin

Get the latest parenting news, plus expert advice and real-world wisdom.

Umbilical Cord Fell Off Gooey Underneath

Special Offers from Our Partners

Receive discounts, deals and parenting information from BabyCenter’s partners.

You can unsubscribe from BabyCenter emails at any time.

When Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord Will Fall Off and What to Do

All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Our Medical Review Board includes OB/GYNs, pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, doulas, lactation counselors, endocrinologists, fertility specialists and more.

We believe you should always know the source of the information you’re reading. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.

on July 14, 2021

Latest update:

Meaghan Curry/Stocksy

umbilical cord care

Caring for baby’s umbilical cord after birth is simpler than it might seem. Here’s what you need to know.

Back to Top
In This Article

  • When does the umbilical cord fall off?
  • What to do when the umbilical cord falls off
  • Umbilical cord care tips
  • Infected umbilical cord or belly button
  • Umbilical cord or belly button bleeding

Your baby’s umbilical cord stump is a funny little piece of skin that’s actually the last link to his stay in the womb. When the umbilical cord is cut at birth, a bit remains still attached to his navel — and it’ll go through a metamorphosis during your baby’s early days.

Indeed, the color and look of the stump changes from yellowish-green to black and crusty as it dries up and then falls off. Frankly, it looks downright weird, even gross, but don’t be intimidated. Read on for easy care tips for your baby’s umbilical cord as well as what to do if you think something’s not right.

See also  Best Medicine For Sciatica Pain

When does the umbilical cord fall off?

It may seem like it’s taking its sweet time, but the umbilical cord stump should dry up and drop away by the time your baby is 3 weeks old, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

It’s possible the stump will fall away sooner, but if it’s lingering longer than that timeframe, make an appointment with the pediatrician to get it checked out.

What to do when the umbilical cord falls off

Most cords dry completely and then fall off, leaving behind a cute baby belly button. You might notice a small raw spot or a bit of blood-tinged fluid oozing out. Try not to worry — this is also normal. But if you notice more profuse bleeding, call the doctor.

In some cases, the cord may form reddish-pink scar tissue called an umbilical granuloma, which may secrete a yellowish discharge. This should clear up in a week, but if it doesn’t, check in with your baby’s pediatrician. An umbilical granuloma is a very treatable condition.

Umbilical cord care tips

Nowadays, the standard practice when it comes to caring for a newborn umbilical cord is to keep it dry. Skip the rubbing alcohol and other ointments, and follow these umbilical cord tips to promote good healing:

Read This Next

belly button infection

umbilical granuloma, woman caring for newborn baby

how to bathe your newborn baby, baby

belly button infection

umbilical granuloma, woman caring for newborn baby

how to bathe your newborn baby, baby

  • Keep it clean. If the stump gets dirty, dab it gently with a wet washcloth and then pat the area with a dry cloth. (It’s unlikely you’ll need to do this, as the cord usually stays pretty clean.) Avoid using soap, which can irritate a baby’s tender skin.
  • Air the stump out. Help the base dry by regularly exposing it to air.
  • Stick to sponge baths. Don’t dunk that navel underwater for now — sponge baths are enough. Once the stump falls off, feel free to bathe your baby in his pint-sized tub.
  • Diaper delicately. Avoid covering the stump with the top of his diaper. Some newborn-size disposables feature a little notch at the waistband, or you can simply fold down the front of the diaper to keep it from rubbing the stump area.
  • Change diapers frequently. Change wet and dirty diapers promptly so they don’t leak upward toward the navel and aggravate your baby’s healing cord.
  • Dress delicately too. Choose loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t press against the stump or outfits with a special cutout for this area. Instead of onesies that snap at the crotch, try kimono-style bodysuits, which tie on the side for more air circulation and less rubbing.
  • Resist touching or pulling. Let the scab fall off on its own. Never pull it, even if it seems to connect by only the tiniest thread. If it gets yanked off too soon, it could start bleeding continuously. If this happens, call your baby’s doctor immediately.

Infected umbilical cord or belly button

Healing belly buttons almost always look worse than they actually are, even when they’re progressing normally. It’s rare that a healing umbilical cord stump gets infected, but when it does, the condition is called omphalitis.

Watch for these symptoms of a newborn belly button infection, or omphalitis:

  • Red skin or a red, swollen appearance at the base of the cord
  • A fluid-filled lump on or near your baby’s umbilical cord stump
  • Oozing pus or discharge
  • Bleeding from the scab (though a little dried blood is normal)
  • Foul smell
  • Fever or lethargy
  • Low appetite
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Crying when you touch the cord or the area around it

If you notice any signs of infection or your baby seems to be in pain, call your pediatrician. A course of antibiotics will get your baby’s belly button back to healing in no time.

Umbilical cord or belly button bleeding

It’s normal to spot a few drops of blood on your baby’s diaper after his stump falls off, but you should monitor any additional umbilical cord bleeding closely. Contact your baby’s doctor if a small amount of bleeding lasts for more than three days.

If heavier belly button bleeding won’t stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure applied two times or if there’s a blood stain that’s more than two inches across, immediately call or visit the pediatrician. Continuous bleeding or a sizable spot of blood at this very young age (under a month) is a concern and should get checked out.

Less is more when it comes to caring for your baby’s umbilical cord. If you keep the stump area dry and you do your best to avoid touching it when you diaper and dress your baby, this little piece of leftover skin should fall off in no time at all.

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

View Sources

  • What to Expect the First Year, 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff.
  • WhatToExpect.com, What’s a Umbilical Granuloma and How Do You Treat It?, June 2021.
  • WhatToExpect.com, Cutting Baby’s Umbilical Cord: Should You Delay Clamping?, October 2018.
  • WhatToExpect.com, Baby’s First Bath, March 2019.
  • WhatToExpect.com, How to Treat Omphalitis in Newborn Babies, November 2020.
  • American Academy of Pediatrics, Umbilical Cord Care, December 2020.
  • PediaClinic, Umbilical Granuloma, 2020.
  • Seattle Children’s, Umbilical Cord Symptoms, March 2021.
  • Mayo Clinic, Umbilical Cord Care: Do’s and Don’ts for Parents, February 2020.
  • March of Dimes, Umbilical Cord Conditions, June 2016.

About Us

Family Medicine

Family MedicineIn 2024 our team of doctors and nurses provide a comprehensive range of family planning services. Our doctors have expertise in antenatal care, preconception planning, and STD checks. Contraceptive advice including Mirena and Implanon insertion is available.

  • Early detection of illness;
  • Family planning;
  • Promotion of healthy lifestyle;
  • Skin cancer checks;
  • Sports injuries;
  • Weight reduction;
  • Workers compensation and third party.

  • Children's Health

    Children's HealthBaby Weighing Service. Babies can be booked with our Nurse for weighing, a doctors appointment is not required to use this service. Contact reception for a appointment to have your baby weighed.

    Immunisations. At Tuggeranong Square children's immunisation is regarded an important part of your childs health care. Our doctors take immunising children very seriously. and to ensure all children are immunised Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice doctors BULK BILL for all childhood immunisations. Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice also ensures the Practice Nursing Staff are highly trained in childhood immunisations.


    Women's Health

    Women's HealthOur practice is dedicated to treating a wide spectrum of women’s health concerns. We offer pre-natal, antenatal and postnatal care, contraceptive options, pap screening, and preventative health care advice. We provide assistance, advice and support through all stages of life, recognising the many issues many women may face from adolescence through to the peri and post-menopausal period.

    • Cervical Screening tests;
    • Reproductive health. Including Mirena and Implanon insertion;
    • Shared antenatal care.

    Men's Health

    Men's HealthWe encourage men to present routinely to their GP to discuss all aspects of their health. We provide comprehensive advice and support for men to address the prevention and management of various health conditions. This may include assessments for cardiovascular risk, diabetes, cancer prevention, mental health assessments, STD screening, sports injuries and the importance of sleep as it relates to other areas of health.


    • Preventative Healthcare. Including cardiovascular screening, mental health and cancer checks;
    • Prostate examination.
Alex Koliada, PhD

Alex Koliada, PhD

Alex Koliada, PhD, is a well-known doctor. He is famous for his studies of ageing, genetics and other medical conditions. He works at the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics NAS of Ukraine. His scientific researches are printed by the most reputable international magazines. Some of his works are: Differences in the gut Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio across age groups in healthy Ukrainian population [BiomedCentral.com]; Mating status affects Drosophila lifespan, metabolism and antioxidant system [Science Direct]; Anise Hyssop Agastache foeniculum Increases Lifespan, Stress Resistance, and Metabolism by Affecting Free Radical Processes in Drosophila [Frontiersin].
View All Articles