Does anyone know if putting salt on a newborn's umbilical cord speeds the drying process? Can it be harmful?

Question

Someone told me that it really works and she did this for her 4 kids. I'm not convinced though because I never heard of this. My daughter is 13 days old and the umbilical cord doesn't look like it has even started to dry out.

Answer 1

Your friend is a retard. What is this, the dark ages? Next she'll say to use leeches!

Just use rubbing alcohol. Try to keep it clean and dry and it'll fall off in due time.

Answer 2

That is one I have never heard. I do not think you should try that one have you ever gotten salt on an open wound, stings doesn't it. You don't know where the salt might end up. Let the air have at it and nature will dry it for you. It is not that big a deal, only to you, just keep the diaper out of the way and it won't be long. Enjoy your baby and good luck

Answer 3

I wouldn't suggest it. My 5 week old had the same issue. It didn't come of until he was 19 days old! Just continue to use the alcohol at every diaper change. Don't use salt. It actually does the opposite. Salt preserves the "freshness" (for lack of better words )of flesh. The object is to keep the area dry and clean to dry it out. What's the rush anyway? It doesn't bother her, so it shouldn't bother you.
Good luck and congrats!

Answer 4

I have never heard of putting salt on it, but I did put alcohol on my 3 kids umbilical cord and it fell of withing a week after being born. You can use an alcohol wipe or you can dab it with a cotton ball or q-tip

Answer 5

I have never read this, or heard of this! I do know at the moment doctors only advise cleaning it with water, but I didn't do that. I cleaned my sons umbilical cord with alcohol wipes! Everyone has a different opinion, do what feels right to you!

Answer 6

How would you like for someone to put salt on a cut you had? Please don't put salt on the cord. It will fall off when it's ready. With my first child it took almost a month but with t he third it fell off in less than a week. If you are concerned about it being too wet though you can always swab the area lightly with rubbing alcohol.

Answer 7

I'm a mother of a 20mth old and a 2 mth old,i was told just to leave it alone, putting stuff on it only slows down the process of it falling off such as Alcohol like they used to do, but Salt i would ask the doctor before doing anything like that
hope i helped you out :)

Answer 8

I didn't put anything on my daughter's cord. I kept it clean and dry, and it fell off by itself with no problem. I've never heard of putting salt on it, but it doesn't sound like a good idea. Just be patient and it will fall off on it's own. Good luck!

Answer 9

Eww, I don't think I'd use salt. Are you swabbing it with alcohol several times a day?
Sometimes they just don't dry out right. My first son's was like this. The doctor put some sort of drops on it, and then, finally, it dried and fell off.

Answer 10

Ouch!
No, I wouldn't do that. Think about "rubbing salt in a raw wound" ICK!

Unless it is looking nasty, don't do ANYTHING to it....even the alcohol that a lot of people tell you to use. Just keep it clean and dry.

The baby I did nothing to feel off sooner than her siblings cords did. My first took the longest, which was 2 weeks.

Answer 11

Do not put salt on your poor baby's umbilical cord!!!!!!!

Just take care of it exactly the way your doctor said to do it. If you can't remember, or are unsure, just give your doctor a call.

And, please, in the future don't take any medical advice off this site (especially for your baby!!!). People on here are not doctors and can't be relied upon for medical advice.

Good luck to you.