How long does it take for a newborn's umbilical cord stump to fall off?

Jun 18, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

A newborn's navel usually refers to the umbilical cord stump. Under the influence of hormones in the newborn's body, this remnant of the umbilical cord gradually dries, turns black, and eventually falls off. If the newborn is in good health, the umbilical cord typically detaches 7–10 days after birth; however, for infants with weaker constitutions, it may take 10–15 days. Parents should promptly take the newborn to a reputable hospital if any discomfort or abnormalities occur.

The newborn's navel usually refers to the umbilical cord stump. Under the influence of hormones in the newborn's body, this remnant of the umbilical cord gradually dries, turns black, and eventually falls off. If the newborn is in good health, the umbilical cord typically detaches within 7–10 days after birth; however, if the baby's constitution is weaker, it may take 10–15 days. Parents should promptly take the newborn to a reputable hospital if any abnormalities occur. The details are as follows:

1. 7–10 days: After birth, the umbilical cord stump gradually dries and undergoes necrosis. During this process, the baby’s body activates its natural healing mechanisms, with cells differentiating and growing to form new tissue that seals the stump. In babies with good overall health, this process generally takes about 7–10 days.

2. 10–15 days: If the newborn has a weaker constitution, metabolism is relatively slower, and the rate of cell repair and growth is reduced, leading to a longer time for the umbilical stump to detach. In such cases, detachment may take 10–15 days.

Prior to the umbilical cord falling off, parents should carefully care for the area by keeping it dry and clean. Avoid using any chemicals, soap, or other substances to directly clean the umbilical stump, as these may irritate the skin or cause infection.

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