UMBILICAL CORD
Dear Dr.Bear,
I am writing to ask about my baby's umbilical cord stump. He is 4 weeks old today and the umbilical cord stump has STILL not dropped off! We have been cleaning it with alcohol religiously at EVERY diaper change. It does not appear to be infected - there is no drainage or foul odor. I thought they only stayed on the baby for a max of 3 weeks. Is this unusual? Should I be concerned? How long is TOO long for this to remain?
Sincerely,
Concerned
Dear Concerned,
The longest I ever saw was 112 days. Try to clean it less often—perhaps a maximum of 3 times each day. It should fall off soon.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bear
