Umbilical Cord Care
Proper care can help your baby’s umbilical cord heal. Do not pull or pick at the cord. It should fall off on its own within 2 weeks after the birth. Even after the cord falls off, keep cleaning your baby’s bellybutton for about a week. Use the steps below as a guide.
Caring for Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord
To help prevent infection and keep the cord dry:
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Keep the cord open to the air.
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Fold down the top edge of the diaper. This way the diaper will not cover or rub against the cord.
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Avoid clothing that constricts the cord.
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Do not place the baby in bath water until the cord has fallen off. Until your baby’s umbilical cord falls off, give sponge baths every 2 or 3 days.
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Do not manually pull off the cord.
Call your baby’s healthcare provider if you see any of the following:
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Redness or swelling around the cord
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Discharge or bad odor coming from the cord
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The cord doesn’t fall off by 3 weeks after the birth
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Your baby has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher
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The cord stays moist after 2 to 3 days
