Your baby’s umbilical stump and belly button: what to expect
After your baby’s birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. The part of the umbilical cord that’s still attached to your baby is the umbilical stump. Often the clamp is still attached to the stump.
During the first few days after birth, the stump gets darker, shrivels and eventually falls off with the clamp. What’s left is your baby’s belly button. Sometimes this takes 1-2 weeks.
While the stump is drying up and just after it falls off, you might notice some oozing around your baby’s belly button. This might be clear, sticky or brownish, and it might leave a mark on your baby’s clothes or nappy. It might also smell a little bit. This is part of the healing process.
When to be concerned about your baby’s umbilical stump or belly button
You should take your baby to see your GP or child and family health nurse if the stump hasn’t fallen off after more than 2 weeks.
Also see your GP or nurse if the area around the stump:
- is red or discoloured
- has a bad smell
- is warm and tender to touch.
See your GP as soon as possible if you’re still seeing sticky liquid several days after the stump has fallen off, if your baby’s belly button area gets hot, red, discoloured or swollen, or if your baby is lethargic or otherwise unwell. If your baby has a fever, take them to a hospital emergency department.
How to clean and care for the umbilical stump and belly button
You can gently wash your baby’s umbilical stump and belly button area during bath time or if the area gets wee or poo on it.
Cleaning the umbilical stump
- Always wash your hands before cleaning the umbilical stump.
- Use water and a clean, soft washcloth or cotton ball to clean the stump. It’s OK to use a mild baby cleanser.
- Don’t use antiseptic, alcohol wipes or creams.
- After cleaning, gently pat the area around the stump dry with a clean, soft towel or cloth.
Caring for the stump and belly button
- If your baby’s nappy covers the stump, fold the top of the nappy down and away from the stump. This will allow it to air dry.
- Never try to pull the stump off yourself, even if it looks like it’s ready to fall off.
- After the stump has fallen off, keep the area clean and dry until it heals completely.
What is umbilical granuloma?
After the umbilical stump has fallen off, some babies can develop a small pink, red or discoloured lump in the belly button area. This is called an umbilical granuloma.
Sometimes the lump might ooze a small amount of yellow or clear fluid. Keep the area clean and dry.
An umbilical granuloma might get better on its own, but it’s good to have your GP or child and family nurse look at the lump.
What is an umbilical hernia?
If your baby develops a bulge or swelling near the belly button, it might be an umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia is often more noticeable when your baby cries or strains to do a poo. This usually isn’t dangerous, and it doesn’t hurt your baby.
An umbilical hernia will often go away between the ages of 3 and 5 years. It’s good to have your GP or child and family health nurse look at the bulge.