Cord Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

After birth, caregivers cut off all but a small part (stump) of the umbilical cord on your baby's belly. The cord stump dries, turns black, and falls off in about 7 to 21 days. If your baby was born prematurely (early), it may take longer for the cord stump to fall off. Your baby's cord stump should be kept clean and dry until it falls off. Keeping the stump clean and dry helps prevent infections caused by germs called bacteria. The navel (belly button) left on your baby's belly is where his umbilical cord once was after the cord stump falls off.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Keep the stump dry:

Keeping the stump dry helps prevent infection and shortens the time it takes to fall off.

• Air-drying: After diaper changes or stump cleaning, fold the front of the diaper down below the cord stump to let it air-dry.
  
  
• Loose baby clothing: Choose clean, loose-fitting clothes for your baby to help the stump dry out faster.

Keep the stump clean:

Keeping the stump clean helps prevent it from getting infected.

• Urine or stool on stump: If your baby's stump gets dirty from urine or stool, wash it off right away with water. Gently pat the stump dry after you clean it.
  
  
• Bathing: Your baby's primary healthcare provider may suggest sponge baths until the stump falls off. Instead, he may allow tub baths from birth on. Ask him how and when to bathe your baby. Gently wash the cord stump and the skin around it with mild soap and warm water during every bath. Gently pat the stump dry after your baby's bath.
  
  
• Cotton swabs and clean water: Your baby's primary healthcare provider may suggest using cotton swabs and water to clean the stump. Gently wipe from the base to the top of the stump with cotton swabs dampened with water. Clean the stump 2 to 3 times a day or during each diaper change.

Other ways to care for the stump:

Your baby's primary healthcare provider may suggest one of the following:

• Cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol: For full-term babies, it may be suggested that you use rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs to clean the stump. Gently wipe from the base to the top of the stump with a cotton swab dampened with rubbing alcohol. Clean your baby's stump with rubbing alcohol as directed.
  
  
• Germ-killing medicines: If your baby was premature, it may be suggested that you use germ-killing liquids, powders, or ointments on the stump. Ask your baby's primary healthcare provider if you should use germ-killing medicines to help prevent infection. Do not apply any medicine to the stump unless he says it is okay.
  
  
• Breast milk: Breast milk may help prevent infections on the stump. If directed, you can apply your breast milk around the stump. Ask how often to apply breast milk to the stump.

When to stop cord care:

Ask your baby's primary healthcare provider when you can stop cord care. He may suggest cleaning the area for 2 more days after the stump falls off.

Dos and do nots:

• Do wash your hands with soap and water before and after baby care.
  
  
• Do breastfeed your baby if you can. Breast milk may help your baby not to get sick because of the antibodies (proteins) it contains.
  
  
• Do not pull or tug at the cord stump. The stump will fall off on its own.
  
  
• Do not cover the cord stump. Keep your baby's clothes loose, so the stump can dry. If you want to use a bellyband on your baby, use only clean, dry gauze.
  
  
• Do not place a coin or other item over the belly button after the stump falls off.

Your baby's medicines:

• Give your baby's medicine as directed: Call your baby's primary healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not helping or if he has side effects. Tell your baby's primary healthcare provider if your baby is allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when and why he takes them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits.
  
  
• Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years of age: Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he takes aspirin when he is sick. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin, salicylates, or oil of wintergreen.

Contact your baby's primary healthcare provider if:

• You see pus (yellow or green discharge) around the base of the stump.
  
  
• Your baby's stump smells bad, even after you clean it.
  
  
• Your baby's cord stump has not fallen off after 21 days.
  
  
• You see fluid leaking from a pink or red scar on your baby's navel, after the stump comes off.
  
  
• You have any questions or concerns about your baby's care.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• The skin around the base of your baby's cord stump looks red or swollen.
  
  
• Your baby is less active than usual, is not eating well, or has a fever.
  
  
• The skin around your baby's umbilical stump feels hard or thick.
  
  
• The skin on your baby's belly looks bruised.
  
  
• Your baby is having problems swallowing.
  
  
• Your baby's neck, shoulders, back, or belly feels stiff, or your baby cries when touched.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Cord Care (Discharge Care)