Umbilical cord care
Dry cord care: keep it clean and dry
About 3 min
Why it matters
The cord stump usually dries and falls off by itself within 1-3 weeks. The World Health Organization recommends "dry cord care" for babies born in hospital: keeping it clean and dry is enough; no alcohol or anything else is needed.
What you need
- Washed hands
- Only if it gets dirty: warm water and clean cotton wool or gauze
Step by step
- 1 Wash your hands with soap and water.
- 2 Take a look: it's normal for the stump to dry out, darken and harden.
- 3 Fold the front of the diaper below the stump so it gets air and stays away from pee.
- 4 If pee or poo gets on it, gently wipe with cotton wool dipped in warm water, then pat dry with a clean cloth.
- 5 Don't put your baby in a tub until the stump falls off; sponge-bathe instead (see First bath).
- 6 Don't pull or pick at it; let it fall off on its own. A few drops of blood on the diaper when it comes off are normal.
Common mistakes
- Applying alcohol, cologne, powder, herbs or ointments unless your doctor says so.
- Taping or binding anything over it, such as a coin or a belly band.
- Pulling the stump off.
- Covering the stump with the diaper.
When to see a doctor
- Spreading redness or swelling around the base.
- A yellowish, bad-smelling discharge.
- Active bleeding that does not stop: get help right away.
- Your baby cries when it is touched, has a fever or seems unwell.
- The stump hasn't fallen off after 3 weeks: get it checked.
This guide gives general information and doesn't replace a medical exam. If you're worried about your baby, talk to your doctor.