How to Care for a Newborn's Umbilical Cord Stump

While most expectant parents know that the first few weeks at home with their new baby will be filled with wonder and awe, many are not prepared to deal with the somewhat unsightly umbilical cord stump still attached to their newborn. However, the umbilical cord stump is there and needs to be cared for just like all of a new baby's needs. Caring for a newborn's umbilical cord stump is not difficult, but the area does need proper attention to heal correctly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Newborn Diapers
• Cotton Swabs (optional)
• Alcohol (optional)

How to Care for a Newborn's Umbilical Cord Stump

1. Avoid tub bathing until the umbilical cord stump has fallen off.

2. Sponge bathe the baby but avoid getting the umbilical cord stump and area around the navel wet.

3. Use soft newborn disposable diapers when diapering the baby. Fold the diaper down under the navel so that it does not cover the umbilical cord stump.

4. Fold the baby's shirt up so that the umbilical cord stump is exposed. This will allow the stump to be exposed to air and dry faster.

5. The umbilical cord stump will usually fall off within two weeks of delivery.

How to Care for a Newborn's Umbilical Cord Stump (Optional)

6. Traditionally pediatricians recommended swabbing the umbilical cord stump with alcohol to help the site heal faster. Today some pediatricians still recommend this method, while others endorse the method above.

7. Dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol.

8. Gently swab the newborn's umbilical cord stump with the cotton ball.

9. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 several times a day, using a fresh cotton ball each time.

Tips & Warnings

• It's best to check with the baby's pediatrician before leaving the hospital to determine whether he would like you to care for the umbilical cord stump with or without alcohol.
• If the umbilical cord stump area becomes dirty, you can use mild soap and water to clean it to avoid infection. Gently pat the area dry or use the lowest setting on a hair dryer to get the umbilical cord stump completely dry after cleaning.
• Quickly change all wet and soiled diapers to prevent irritation of the umbilical cord stump.
• If the newborn's umbilical cord stump appears irritated, oozes pus, or smells foul, contact the pediatrician immediately for advice.
• Do not try to pull the umbilical cord stump out, even if it is only hanging on by a thread.
• Do not keep the umbilical cord stump covered by the top of the diaper or by clothing. It needs exposure to air in order to heal properly.

Resources

• Mayo Clinic
• Baby Center

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