Caring for a newborn’s umbilical cord stump is one of the first responsibilities parents take on after birth. While it may look delicate, cord care is actually very simple when you follow the right steps. At Yamini Balya Chikitsalaya, we guide parents every day on safe, evidence‑based newborn care — and this article brings that same clarity to your home.

Why Umbilical Cord Care Matters

After birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, leaving behind a small stump. This stump dries, shrivels, and naturally falls off within 5–15 days. Proper care helps prevent infection and ensures smooth healing.

How to Care for Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord

1. Keep It Clean

• Clean only if the stump becomes dirty with urine or stool.
• Use clean water and a soft cloth or cotton.
• Gently pat dry — no rubbing.

2. Keep It Dry

• Moisture delays healing.
• Fold the diaper below the stump so it stays exposed to air.
• Avoid tub baths until the stump falls off; sponge baths are ideal.

3. Keep It Natural

• Do not apply oil, ghee, powder, turmeric, toothpaste, or any home remedy.
• Do not cover the stump with cloth or bandages.
• Do not pull the stump, even if it looks like it’s hanging.

What Is Normal?

Parents often worry about how the stump looks. These are normal changes:

• Color change from yellow → brown → black
• Drying and shriveling
• A small amount of dried blood when it falls off
• A tiny pink bump (umbilical granuloma) that may ooze slightly

These usually resolve without treatment.

Warning Signs: When to See a Doctor

Seek medical care immediately if you notice:

• Redness spreading around the stump
• Foul‑smelling yellow discharge
• Swelling or tenderness
• Fever, poor feeding, or unusual sleepiness
• Continuous bleeding

These may indicate omphalitis, a serious infection that needs prompt treatment.

Quick Takeaway

✔ Keep it clean

✔ Keep it dry

✔ Keep it uncovered

✔ No oils or home remedies

✔ Watch for redness or foul smell

Simple care is safe care.

Essential Care Practices 🧼

• Keep the cord clean and dry
• Leave the stump exposed to air (no dressing)
• Fold diaper below the stump to prevent urine/stool contamination
• Natural drying and separation usually occurs within 5-15 days

Do’s ✅

• Clean with sterile water if soiled
• Wash hands before handling the cord
• Allow air circulation around the stump
• Monitor for signs of infection
• Normal cord separation should occur within 2 weeks

Don’ts ❌

• No application of traditional substances
• Avoid covering with bandages
• Don’t pull on the stump
• No routine application of antiseptics in clean home deliveries
• Avoid getting the area excessively wet during bathing

Warning Signs to Watch 🚨

• Redness around base
• Foul smell
• Pus discharge
• Bleeding
• Delayed separation (>2 weeks)

When to Seek Medical Care 🏥

Immediate medical attention if:

• Signs of infection present
• Excessive bleeding
• Unusual discharge
• Delayed separation beyond 3 weeks