Umbilical Cord Care: Keeping the Stump Clean and Dry
The umbilical cord stump usually dries up and falls off within 1–3 weeks. Until then, the main job is to keep it clean and dry.
Do
- Keep the stump open to the air as much as possible
- Fold the diaper down or use a diaper with an umbilical notch so it does not rub
- If it gets dirty, clean gently with plain water and pat dry
- Give sponge baths until the stump falls off
Don’t
- Pull the stump, even if it is hanging by a thread
- Apply oil, powder, ash, turmeric or other home remedies
- Cover it tightly with a bandage
When to call the doctor
Contact your doctor if you see redness spreading onto the tummy, swelling, pus, a bad smell, bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure, or if your baby has a fever or is feeding poorly.