my son was born 3 weeks ago. i've used rubbing alcohol to put on his umbilical cord to dry it out so that it will fall off...but it has still not fallen off!!! is there a way that the dr may have to surgically remove it? because we have tried everything! my daughter's umbilical cord fell off almost 1 week after she was born. i think its just strange that it hasn't fallen off yet! serious answers only please
2007-03-13 04:10:48 · 18 answers · asked by Mandie 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
he goes to the ped next week
2007-03-13 04:17:02 · update #1
I just had a baby three months ago and I'll tell you right now, I was asking this same exact question myself! My daughter's didn't fall off until she was five weeks old! Just keep applying the rubbing alcohol it will come off eventually you just have to be patient! Congratulations as well!
2007-03-13 05:03:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It took almost a month for the umbilical cord to fall off my eldest (boy). My daughter's came off after about a week. This may be a boy/girl thing or it's just a coincidence. In any case each kid is different.
Speak to his doc about it at his 1 month check up (if it is still there). Yes it's annoying to take care of, but it's not hurting him.
If you are greatly concerned and do not thing waiting is good - call the nurses, speak to them and describe the situation. They will let you know if he needs to be seen by the doctor or if it can wait.
Take care!
2007-03-13 11:26:38 · answer #2 · answered by g-lady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all anything over three weeks and you should tell your Dr. sometimes infections can set in. Second, my sons stayed for 4 weeks with no problem and I have heard of up to 6 weeks. How often are you using the alcohol? I did it too much with my son, that is why it wouldn't dry up. Try doing it only once or twice a day and make sure it gets plenty of air and is not always covered with a diaper or clothes. If there is a foul odor, green or yellow oozing or bleeding, take him in ASAP. Other than that don't worry too much it will dry up eventually.
2007-03-13 11:20:49 · answer #3 · answered by pebble 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Alcohol has been shown to make the cord stay on longer, and isn't necessary. However up to a month for the cord to fall off is considered normal.
You could try some goldenseal powder if you are really concerned. But I would just let it air out as much as possible. Make sure it is out of the diaper and out of the clothes if possible. Use sleepers and undo a snap or two.
2007-03-13 11:55:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are concerned, then mention it to your doctor at your next visit. However, the best thing to do is just to wait. It will fall off in time; it always does. Just be sure to keep it nice and dry so that it heals faster. Meaning, don't let it get too wet in the bath (you should sponge bathe your baby until it falls off) and buy those newborn diapers with the notch in it or that you can fold down so it's not irritated. And don't put alcohol on it, anymore. The current wisdom is don't put anything on it at all, it heals best when just left alone.
2007-03-13 16:07:36 · answer #5 · answered by Astrogal 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Doctors actually reccomend now that you dont use anythign on the cord unless it gets soiled. It can take up to a month for the cord to fall off. Every baby is different, just be patient
2007-03-13 12:10:37 · answer #6 · answered by Ruby Tuesday 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It really varies from child to child as to how long it takes to fall off. Though 3 weeks seems long, it is not totally uncommon. Unless there's oozing pus or strange coloration, I wouldn't worry too much. But you probably go for a check up at 4 weeks, right? I would ask the doctor casually, but don't let it keep you up at night, unless, again, it seems infected.
2007-03-13 11:16:38 · answer #7 · answered by speedy41893 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will fall off when it's ready. My son's didn't fall off for about a month. The PED told use to keep putting the alcohol on it and DO NOT pull it off.
2007-03-13 11:27:30 · answer #8 · answered by Kellie R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes there is an acid the Dr can put on that will help it dry out and fall off. This happened to my first son.
2007-03-13 11:24:58 · answer #9 · answered by JS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my first son had his fall off the first week. my second son on the other hand that didnt happen. his doctor put something on it to dry it out and then it came off. so that is what your doctor will probably do. it shouldnt have to be surgically removed though. at least i have never heard about anything like that. my doctor just put some thick tar looking stuff on my sons and it dried it up so it fell off.
2007-03-13 11:23:45 · answer #10 · answered by lindz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋