How do I care for the umbilical cord stump?

Keep it clean and dry

The standard now is dry cord care. Keep the stump clean and dry and let air reach it. There is no need to apply rubbing alcohol or any germ-killing product; that is the older approach and is no longer recommended for routine care.

Fold the front of the diaper down below the stump so urine does not soak it. Some diapers come with a notch cut out for this. Dress your baby in loose clothing that lets air circulate.

Resist the urge to pick at or pull on the stump. Let it detach on its own.

Stick to sponge baths until it falls off

Until the stump falls off, give sponge baths rather than tub baths. Submerging the cord keeps it wet and slows healing.

Use a soft, damp cloth to clean your baby's face, neck, hands, and diaper area as needed. Once the stump has fallen off and the area has healed, you can move to gentle tub baths.

A few drops of blood when the stump comes loose are normal. If the area actively bleeds and does not stop with light pressure, call your pediatrician.

When the stump falls off

The stump dries, darkens, and falls off on its own. This usually happens within 1 to 2 weeks, and up to about 3 weeks is still normal. The average is around 10 to 14 days.

After it detaches, you may see a small raw spot or a little clear or slightly bloody discharge for a few days as the navel finishes healing. This is normal.

If the stump has not fallen off by about 3 weeks, or the navel keeps oozing after it heals, mention it at your next visit.

Signs of infection

Infection of the cord area is uncommon with dry care, but it needs prompt attention. Call your pediatrician if you notice warning signs.

Watch for spreading redness around the base of the navel, pus or cloudy, foul-smelling yellow discharge, swelling or tenderness, red streaks, or your baby crying when the area is touched.

For any baby 3 months or younger, a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher means call right away, and a fever alongside any cord symptoms is especially urgent.

• Spreading redness around the base of the navel
• Pus or cloudy, foul-smelling discharge
• Swelling, tenderness, or red streaks
• Bleeding that will not stop with light pressure
• Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in a baby under 3 months

Related questions

Should I put rubbing alcohol on the cord stump?

No. Current guidance is dry cord care: keep the stump clean and dry and exposed to air, with no rubbing alcohol or other germ-killing products for routine care. Applying alcohol is the older approach and is no longer recommended. Fold the diaper down below the stump, use loose clothing, and let it fall off on its own.

How long does the umbilical cord stump take to fall off?

It usually falls off within 1 to 2 weeks, and up to about 3 weeks is still normal, with an average around 10 to 14 days. Keep it clean and dry and do not pull on it. A few drops of blood when it detaches are normal. If it has not come off by about 3 weeks, mention it to your pediatrician.

What does an infected umbilical cord look like?

Signs of infection include spreading redness around the base of the navel, pus or cloudy and foul-smelling discharge, swelling or tenderness, red streaks, and your baby crying when the area is touched. Call your pediatrician if you see these. For any baby under 3 months, a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher means call right away, and a fever with cord symptoms is especially urgent.

Sources & further reading

1. HealthyChildren.org (AAP) — Umbilical Cord Care
2. Seattle Children's — Umbilical Cord Symptoms
3. HealthyChildren.org (AAP) — Bathing Your Newborn

This article reflects current AAP, CDC, and other public-health guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For any medical concern, contact your healthcare provider.