Organic News
ORGANIC CARE FOR YOUR BABY'S CORD:
By Yolanda Bodden
Apr 2, 2007 - 10:38:17 PM

New parents have a great deal of apprehension during the  first days with their newborns when it pertains to the care and handling of the personal, fragile, and unfamiliar parts of their babies' bodies - especially the navel (belly button).

The navel marks the spot where the mother and baby were previously attached via the umbilical cord.  At birth the cord is cut and fastened with a plastic cord clamp that is removed around 48 hours later.

Extra care should be taken to keep the navel dry and clean.  Keep the baby's diaper folded down below the stump area.    A sponge bath is recommended instead of a tub bath until the stump has fallen off and the area is healed. Use an organic baby body washes enriched with organic primrose oil, organic sweet orange and organic chamomile.  Also use an organic sea sponge to protect the baby's gentle skin from irritation and dryness. 

Gently wipe the area several times a day with an  organic radical, C₂H₅ (Ethyl Alcohol) soaked in a cotton ball or gauze.  Apply at the tip and around the base of the umbilical stump everyday to prevent colonization.  The cord usually falls in 5-10 days. If the cord has not fallen off after 14 days, consult your doctor. Any discharge or redness from the cord may suggest infection and a doctor should be consulted.