It is natural for a newborn baby to have an umbilical cord attached to their belly button shortly after their birth. The umbilical cord is an essential part of the newborn’s development, providing them with vital nutrients and oxygen throughout their pregnancy. After birth, the umbilical cord is no longer needed, so it is clamped and cut. This marks the end of the umbilical cord’s purpose and the beginning of the healing process. But how long does it take for a newborn’s umbilical cord to heal? The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the baby’s age, the type of cord clamp used, and the amount of care taken to keep the umbilical cord area clean and dry. On average, it takes about two weeks for the umbilical cord to heal completely. In the days immediately following birth, the umbilical cord stump will be moist and covered with a yellow substance called vernix. This is normal and is a sign that the umbilical cord is still healing. The umbilical cord stump will gradually dry up and shrink as the healing process progresses. During the first week, the umbilical cord stump will start to darken in color and may even appear black. This is also normal and is a sign that the umbilical cord is healing and the stump is beginning to dry up. As the week progresses, the umbilical cord stump will start to separate from the baby’s skin and will eventually fall off. During the second week, the umbilical cord area will continue to heal as the umbilical cord stump continues to dry up and separate from the baby’s skin. The area may appear slightly red and may even be tender to the touch. This is also normal and is a sign that the umbilical cord is healing. It is important to keep the umbilical cord area clean and dry during the healing process. This can be done by gently washing the area with warm water and a mild soap. Make sure to pat the area dry with a soft cloth and avoid rubbing or scrubbing the area. It is also important to make sure the baby’s diaper is not too tight around the umbilical cord area. This can cause irritation and delay the healing process. It is also important to avoid using any creams, oils, or other products on the umbilical cord area. These can cause irritation and can also slow down the healing process. If the umbilical cord area becomes red, swollen, or tender, it may be a sign of infection and should be checked by a doctor. Once the umbilical cord falls off, the healing process is complete. The area may still appear slightly red and may even have a small scar, but this is normal and is a sign that the umbilical cord has healed completely. In conclusion, it takes about two weeks for a newborn’s umbilical cord to heal completely. It is important to keep the umbilical cord area clean and dry during the healing process and to avoid using any creams, oils, or other products on the area. If the umbilical cord area becomes red, swollen, or tender, it may be a sign of infection and should be checked by a doctor. Once the umbilical cord falls off, the healing process is complete and the area should appear normal.