The following guidelines will help you care for your baby’s umbilical cord at home:
- Keep the cord clean and dry.
- 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. If needed, cut a notch in the front of the diaper to make a space for the cord.
- Don’t dress 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.
- Call your doctor if you see redness around the cord.
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 or bleeding.
- There is a bad smell, pus, or other discharge from the cord.
- Your baby has a fever.
- Your baby cries when you touch the cord or the area around it.
