How to Care for the Umbilical Cord Stump
 Category | Hygiene |
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⏱️ Reading time: 4 minutes
Medically reviewed by pediatrician and perinatal psychologist Polina Kizino
The umbilical stump heals on its own — gentle care is key. Wash with soap and water, dry with a gauze pad, and don’t use antiseptics unless prescribed. You can bathe your baby from day one. Diapers should sit below the stump. Red flags: redness, pus, odor, or bleeding — talk to a doctor.
What’s Inside
Quick takeaways
Healing time: 5–15 days. The stump dries and falls off, forming the belly button.
Key rules: Keep clean and dry. Wash with water/soap, pat dry with gauze. Avoid antiseptics unless prescribed. Position diapers below the stump.
Bathing: Allowed from day one. Dry the area thoroughly after.
Red flags: Redness, swelling, pus, odor, bleeding — consult a doctor.
Do not: Pull off the stump, cover with bandages, or apply pressure.
The Umbilical Cord Stump: Natural Healing
The stump is the remnant of the umbilical cord. It dries and falls off naturally between days 5–15. Afterward, the wound forms the belly button. Don’t worry if it takes longer — every baby is unique.
Care Instructions
- Keep clean and dry:
- Inspect after diaper changes.
- Clean gently with water and liquid soap.
- Dry with sterile gauze (no rubbing).
- Avoid over-sterilization: Skip antiseptics (e.g., chlorhexidine) unless prescribed.
- Use breathable diapers: Fold diapers below the stump or choose ones with a belly button cutout.
- No tight clothing/swaddling: Prevent friction or irritation.
Bathing Tips
Bathe your baby as usual. After bathing:
- Gently pat the stump dry with a soft towel or cotton swab.
- Avoid covering it with clothing until fully dry.
When to See a Doctor
Normal healing
- Pink skin around the stump
- Small clear/yellowish discharge
- No odor
Warning signs
- Redness/swelling around the stump
- Pus or foul smell
- Bleeding (more than a few drops)
Avoid colored antiseptics (e.g., iodine) — they can mask symptoms
FAQs
— Can we go outside before the stump falls off?
Yes! Fresh air is beneficial. Ensure clothing doesn’t rub the area.
— How often to clean the stump?
Once daily during bathing. Clean additionally if soiled.
With care
Our articles are based on evidence-based medicine and reviewed by pediatricians. However, they do not replace a consultation with your doctor. Every child is unique — if you have any concerns, please consult a medical professional.
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Sources
- WHO recommendations on maternal and newborn care for a positive postnatal experience, WHO, https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240045989. ISBN: 978 92 4 004598 9. Accessed 2 Apr 2025.
- “Caring for a newborn”, WHO, https://www.who.int/tools/your-life-your-health/life-phase/newborns-and-children-under-5-years/caring-for-newborns. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
- Stewart D, Benitz W; COMMITTEE ON FETUS AND NEWBORN. Umbilical Cord Care in the Newborn Infant. Pediatrics. 2016 Sep;138(3):e20162149. doi: 10.1542/peds.2016-2149. PMID: 27573092. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27573092/. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.