
Newborn Umbilical Cord Care. The tiny stump of your baby’s umbilical cord is a unique reminder of the incredible bond you shared during pregnancy. Although it no longer links your tiny one to you, it still requires little treatment as it heals and finally comes off. Umbilical Cord!
Taking care of the umbilical cord can be a little frightening for first-time mothers. Is it mending as it ought to? Touch it, please. Would you want to clean it?
Relax: tending to your baby’s umbilical cord is not as difficult as it first sounds. Knowing the dos and don’ts of umbilical cord care will help keep your newborn safe and healthy.
Understanding the Umbilical Cord Stump
Let’s quickly check your baby’s umbilical cord stump before we discuss the do’s and do not’s.
The umbilical cord—which delivers nourishment and oxygen during pregnancy—is clamped and cut when your baby is born, leaving a tiny stump. This stump dries out, shrinks, and finally falls out over the next one to three weeks. The stump leaves a little scar that will heal into your baby’s beautiful belly button.
Keeping the stump dry and clean is crucial to prevent infection and encourage good healing.
The Do’s of Umbilical Cord Care: Parenting Advice for New Parents
1. Keep It Clean- Moms and Dads
One of the most critical things you can do is keep the umbilical cord stump clean. You should not clean; careful treatment is necessary.
Method of cleaning:
If the stump gets dirty—from diaper leaks—gently wipe around its base with a cotton swab or a clean, moist towel.
When should one start cleaning? Just clean it as needed; there is no need unless your child doctor advises daily cleaning.
2. Keep the Area Dry- Newborn Umbilical Cord Care
Moisture can cause a breeding environment for germs and impede recovery. To enable the stump to dry out:
Fold the top of your baby’s diaper so it doesn’t hide or rub against the stump.
Steer clear of letting your child soak in a tub of water. Stay with sponge baths until the stump falls off.
3. Let It Breathe- Child Rearing
The umbilical stump heals best in the air. To guarantee appropriate airflow in the area, wear your infant in loose-fitting clothing or onesies whenever possible.
4. Be Gentle- Newborn Umbilical Cord Care
Given its delicacy, handle the stump gently. Do not try to pull, tug, or remove it—even if it seems as though it is just barely hanging on. Let it fall off naturally.
5. Look for Signs of Infection
Although infections are infrequent, it’s advisable to stay alert for indicators of possible problems. See your doctor should you observe:
- Redness or swelling about the stump’s base.
- Pus or foul-smelling discharge.
- Are there fevers or indicators that your infant is uncomfortable when touched in the area?
- Early identification of problems will help to avoid difficulties and provide mental peace of mind.

The Don’ts of Umbilical Cord Care Include
1. Not Covering it With Diapers- Newborn Umbilical Cord Care
Covering the umbilical cord stump with a diaper can retain moisture and raise the risk of discomfort or infection, as was already noted. Instead, fold the diaper or use specially made newborn diapers with a stump cut-out part.
2. Never Use Alcohol (unless advised)
Years ago, wiping the stump with rubbing alcohol was standard procedure. Many doctors, however, advise against it because it slows down the drying process. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, keep to simple water.
3. Keep It Above Water’s Submergence Level
Steer clear of giving your infant a complete bath until the umbilical cord stump falls off. The best approach is to use sponge baths; wipe your kid down with a moist washcloth to maintain their freshness and cleanliness.
4. Don’t Panic About Minor Bleeding- Newborn Umbilical Cord Care
It’s normal for the stump to ooze a tiny bit of blood or fluid as it’s healing, especially when it’s about to fall off. However, if the bleeding is persistent or accompanied by other signs of infection, consult your pediatrician.
5. Not Pull It Off- Umbilical Cord Care

Resist the temptation to tear off the stump even if it seems to be hardly hanging on. Early removal of it can cause bleeding, an infection, or delayed healing. Let nature run her course.
What might one expect as the stump falls?
Your baby’s umbilical cord stump will drop off one to three weeks following birth. It may leave a little pink or raw area, which should heal in a few days.
Is the scab normal?
Indeed, after the stump falls off, a scab or tiny quantity of dried blood is usual. Let it be alone; it will cure itself.
What about a scent?
A light scent is usual while the stump dries up; a doctor should investigate anything foul-smelling since it could point to an infection.
Unique Conditions to Know About Umbilical Granuloma
Sometimes, a tiny tissue known as an umbilical granuloma stays and may ooze even after the stump comes off. Though this is not dangerous, your child doctor may prescribe treatment using a silver nitrate application.
Hernia of the Umbilical Type
Your infant may have an umbilical hernia. If you see a soft protrusion around their belly button that gets more obvious when they cry. Consult your child health nurse or doctor immediately.
Useful Advice for New Mothers and Fathers- Supporting Parenting
Stay patient. Though it’s easy to obsess over the stump, less is usually more in terms of maintenance.
Trust your gut feeling. Call your child doctor right away if something seems off.
Celebrate achievements. Another milestone in your baby’s incredible journey: the stump falling off indicates they are developing and thriving.
Taking Care of Your Baby Made Simple with Parenting Genie
Though navigating baby care might be daunting, you are not alone in this process. Parenting Genie is here to assist you with your questions about umbilical cord care or another aspect of parenthood.
Our Genie Chat and Parenting Live Expert services are on hand around the clock to help you at every stage of your parenting path. From the comfort of your house, get quick responses, tailored guidance, and the help you require.
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Parenting Genie has comprehensive resources for a smoother journey from pregnancy to raising 5-year-olds. Genie Chat and Parenting Live Expert are available 24/7 to provide instant parenting answers.
You can also book a Zoom or Telehealth consultation with a maternal and child health nurse or a certified lactation consultation.
The Raising Children website has more tips and insights on umbilical cord care.