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

Patient's question:

Tianjin Condition Description: My child is 18 days old, and the umbilical cord hasn't fallen off yet! My child is currently having diarrhea, and the hospital's stool test results showed no abnormalities. What could be the reason? The child has become thinner.
History of Treatment and Effects: Currently, we are disinfecting daily and giving the child Mimi Ai.
Desired Help: I want to know what is causing this.

Doctor's answer:

The umbilicus of an infant is a very important area and is prone to infection; it is best to have a doctor handle it.
Advice: The umbilical cord is tied, cut, and falls off, after which the blood vessels at the umbilical stump close. However, if the baby frequently cries and experiences persistent abdominal pressure, these blood vessels may not fully open and may have a small amount of bleeding, which may be visible as slight bloodstains on the baby's clothing. In this case, simply wipe away the bloodstains at the umbilical area with 75% ethanol (medical alcohol), cover it with sterile gauze, and bandage the area. Generally, it will heal within a few days, and there is no need to use a hemostatic agent. However, it is important to maintain local cleanliness to prevent bacterial infection.
During daily umbilical cord care, wash your hands thoroughly and then gently lift the cord. Use a 75% antiseptic alcohol swab to disinfect the base of the cord, removing all secretions and bloodstains. Do this 1-2 times daily to keep the umbilical area clean. At the same time, it is essential to change diapers frequently to avoid urine and stool pollution of the umbilical area.

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