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.

Call your doctor if you see redness around the cord.

Caring for Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord

To help prevent infection and keep the cord dry:

• Keep the cord open to the air.

• Fold down the top edge of the diaper. This way the diaper will not cover or rub against the cord.

• Avoid clothing that constricts the cord.

• 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.

• Do not manually pull off the cord.

Call your baby’s healthcare provider if you see any of the following:

• Redness or swelling around the cord

• Discharge or bad odor coming from the cord

• The cord doesn’t fall off by 3 weeks after the birth

• Your baby has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher

• The cord stays moist after 2 to 3 days