Cord care
Umbilical cord care
The stump dries, darkens and falls off on its own, usually within 1 to 3 weeks. Your only job is to keep it clean, dry and free from friction.
Diaper folded down
Illustrated frame placeholder
Nothing covers or rubs the stump.
Transcript and media source
Full transcript available. Placeholder media for the prototype; production media is sourced only from hospitals, university medical centers, government health agencies, professional medical organizations and certified lactation professionals.
Reviewing clinician: R. Okafor, MSN, RN · Reviewed 2026-05-14 · Captions available
Supplies needed
- ·Clean water and a soft cloth if soiled
- ·Newborn diapers with a cord notch, or fold the diaper down
- ·Loose clothing
Safety warnings
- Do not pull the stump off, even when it is hanging by a thread.
- No alcohol swabbing unless your pediatrician specifically instructs it.
- No tub baths until it has fallen off and healed.
Step by step
- 1Keep it dry and open to air as much as possible.
- 2Fold the front of the diaper down below the stump, every change.
- 3Dress in loose clothing that does not rub against it.
- 4If stool or urine touches it, clean gently with plain water and pat completely dry.
- 5Expect it to go from yellow-grey to brown-black, then shrivel and drop off.
- 6A few drops of blood or a small crust when it falls off is normal.
- 7After it falls off, keep the base dry for a few more days, then tub baths are fine.
Common mistakes
- Covering the stump with the diaper
- Picking at it or helping it along
- Applying creams, powders or oils
How do I know I am doing this correctly?
- Dry, no smell, skin around it is normal colour
- It is gradually shrinking and darkening
When to stop and seek help
- · Red, swollen or warm skin spreading around the base
- · Pus, foul smell or persistent oozing
- · Ongoing bleeding rather than a few drops
- · Fever, poor feeding or unusual sleepiness: emergency in a baby under 3 months
This app provides education and decision support. It cannot rule out a medical emergency.
Finish this tutorial
How confident do you feel doing this on your own?
Clinical review
- Author
- Partnered Postpartum clinical content team
- Reviewer
- R. Okafor, MSN, RN · Registered Nurse
- Reviewed
- 2026-05-14
- Next review
- 2027-05-14
- Version
- 1.2
- Applies to
- United States and Canada
Evidence sources
- · American Academy of Pediatrics, Caring for Your Baby and Young Child
- · AWHONN postpartum and newborn care standards
- · NHS newborn care guidance
Version history
- · 1.0 initial publication
- · 1.1 cord-care wording aligned to AAP
- · 1.2 added safety-check steps
This app provides education and decision support. It cannot rule out a medical emergency.
This app provides education and decision support. It cannot rule out a medical emergency.