Umbilical Cord Care (Newborn) 

The umbilical cord is the tube that connects the baby to the mother. In the womb, the umbilical cord carries blood, oxygen, and nutrition to the baby. At the time of birth, the umbilical cord is cut. This leaves a small stump. A clamp is then applied to prevent blood flowing out of the baby through the cord.

In most cases, the umbilical cord stump dries up and falls off the newborn within the first few weeks of life.

Home care

The following guidelines will help you care for your baby’s umbilical cord at home:

• Keep the cord clean and dry. Just use soap and water and do not apply lotions or ointments to the cord.
• Keep the cord exposed to air. Don’t cover it up inside the diaper where it may come in contact with urine or stool. To prevent this, fold the front of the diaper down below the cord.
• Avoid dressing your baby in clothing that is tight across the cord.
• Don’t put your baby in bathwater until the cord has fallen off and the area where the cord was attached is dry and healing. Instead, bathe your baby with a sponge or damp washcloth.
• Don’t try to remove the cord. It will fall off on its own.
• Don’t use talc or other powders on the cord.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your baby’s healthcare provider as advised.

When to seek medical advice

Call your baby’s healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:

• The skin around the base of the cord is red, swollen, or bleeding.
• There is a foul odor, pus, or other discharge from the cord.
• Your baby has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. (Fever in a newborn can be a sign of a serious infection. Seek treatment right away.)
• Your baby cries when you touch the cord or the area around it.
• The cord doesn’t fall off within 4 weeks.