Simple care is safe care.
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.
Quick Takeaway
✔ Keep it clean
✔ Keep it dry
✔ Keep it uncovered
✔ No oils or home remedies
✔ Watch for redness or foul smell
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
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