MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

UMBILICAL CORD The umbilical cord stump appears shiny and yellow immediately after birth, turning brown, gray, or purplish-blue as it dries out. Before shrinking and falling off, the stump will darken to the color of a scab. Tell your baby’s health care provider if the cord stump area becomes red, is draining, or smells bad. Also let them know if the cord stump hasn’t fallen off by your baby’s third week of life. Cord stump care • Always wash your hands before

touching the umbilical cord stump • Fold the top of your baby’s diaper down below the level of the stump • Don’t put any type of ointment, cream, or bandage on the stump • If the stump is soiled by urine or stool, clean with water and pat dry

SCAN + PLAY

MUCUS REMOVAL Over your baby’s first few days, mucus in their nose and mouth may cause them to gag. What can help • Turn your baby on their side and pat their back in a burping motion • Place your baby on their tummy with their head lower and pat their back • If gagging continues, remove mucus with a bulb syringe Using a bulb syringe • Squeeze air out of bulb until it collapses • Place tip about 1/4 to 1/2 inch inside your baby’s nostril or cheek • Quickly release the bulb to pull mucus secretion into it • Remove the syringe and quickly squeeze contents into a tissue • Clean with hot soapy water and rinse with hot water after use

NAIL CARE Many new parents are surprised at how fast their baby’s fingernails and toenails grow. A baby’s nails are very soft and flexible. But since newborns have very little control over their body movements, they may inadvertently scratch their face if their nails are left untrimmed. What to know • Trim or file fingernails 1 to 2 times a week and toenails about every 2 weeks • When your baby is over 1 month old, use baby-sized clippers or blunt-ended scissors • Trim your baby’s nails after a bath, during sleep, or during feeding

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Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care