- The most crucial aspect of umbilical cord stump care is to keep it clean and dry. It does not need to be washed regularly, but if it gets soiled, use warm water to clean it and then pat it dry.
- Parents are advised to wait until the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and the area is fully healed before giving the baby their first full bath in a tub. Sponge baths are recommended until then.
- The umbilical cord stump typically falls off naturally within one to two weeks after birth. If it remains after three weeks, parents should contact their pediatrician.
- Minor blood spotting is normal when the cord falls off, but if there is active, persistent bleeding or oozing, parents should call their pediatrician.
- Signs of a potential infection, such as redness or swelling of the skin around the cord, require immediate medical attention. The baby's doctor will also examine the stump at every well-baby visit.
Caring For Your Newborn's Umbilical Cord
To care for your newborn’s umbilical cord stump, keep it clean and dry, watch for signs of infection, and check in with your pediatrician if it hasn’t fallen off by three weeks or if you notice unusual bleeding or redness.
Zoe Frolking, MD, MSPH, Pediatrics
