Question about baby's umbilical cords?

Question

My baby is 4 weeks old today, his umbilical cord just fell off 2 days ago. is that normal for it to take so long? It didn't look infected or anything so I didn't worry but should I mention it to the dr?

Thanks for everyone's answers so far. Just wanted to add a few things.

I was using alchol swabs every time I changed him, (about every 2 hours or as needed) and he has only had sponge baths so far so there was never any water in/near the belly button area, although I think he might have peed in it once or twice as anyone with a boy knows when you change little boys they decide to pee everywhere! I was sure to clean it out with another alchol swab and let it air dry.

Answer 1

all babies umbilical cords drop off at different times so it normal, if it didnt look infected when it dropped off means your baby has a very healthy belly, so dont worry bout nothing. you could consult your docter if you want just to get clarance on any other questions you have but other than that i bet your baby will grow up to be very beautful and healthy... : )

Answer 2

That does seem like a really, really long time. I'm a newborn mom/baby nurse and occasionally we have a baby whose cord falls off before they leave the hospital but that's usually because it rips off getting stuck in the diaper most of the time it's about a week, maybe 2.

Hopefully you haven't been giving him baths where you immerse him in water. That keeps the area wet and it will take longer to dry and fall off. Sponge baths only until the cord falls off. If it's been dry, doesn't smell bad, no discharge and seems ok, it's probably fine, just mention it at the next appt.

Answer 3

Just about 3 days before my baby's 1 month appointment - he was 4 weeks 1 day - his cord finally fell off. He was fine, never showed any signs that it bothered him.

So, as long as your baby doesn't have signs of infection, he's fine. Cords USUALLY fall off between 10 to 21 days, but there are always exceptions to that rule. Have your pediatrician check for any tissue left in the belly button because it may have to be treated (my baby's pediatrician used a little silver nitrate to dry it up), but otherwise, nothing to worry about!

Answer 4

As long as there is no infection, this is quite normal to take this long. My son's umbilical cord stump took about 4-5 weeks to fall off to. It was a bit of a worry, considering doctors said it should fall off in about a week.

My son is now 20 months and have no problem with his belly button. :-)

Answer 5

He's fine. As long as he belly button looks okay--no infections, or seeping liquids. Sounds normal!! But as a new mom, I would suggest that if you are still worried, mention it to your Dr. It will give you peace of mind!

Answer 6

Nothing is wrong, if that's what you're worried about. Since you were keeping it so clean, then he is completely healthy. Umbilical cords fall off whenever they feel like it, really!

(Just be glad it DID fall off, ha!)

Answer 7

its normal it just took so long b/c you were using the alcohol every time you changed him, my Dr told me that all that did was dampen it again and it would take longer to fall off my daughters fell off at about 2 weeks but my midwife told me her son's didn't fall off until he was like 8 weeks old so its normal

Answer 8

My son's took 22 days to fall off. Fell off on New Year's Eve night, can't forget that. I did all the alcohol wiping and all that and it just took that long. He is fine, promise

CONGRATS!!

Answer 9

That is normal, I think.My daughters took just under 4 weeks also.Her belly button is cute as ever.If you have been wiping it with alchol pads and everything it will be fine.Good luck....;)

Answer 10

it's normal my baby's cord fell off three days after birth , however you can just clean it once per day with alcohol,and u can start giving your baby regular baths.