Staring at your newborn’s belly button can be a little nerve-wracking. You are afraid to touch it, you don’t want to hurt them, and honestly? It looks a little weird.
I remember hovering over my first baby during diaper changes, wondering if the umbilical stump looked “normal” or if I was doing something wrong. I was terrified of snagging it on a onesie.
But after navigating the newborn phase multiple times and leaning on my medical background, I can promise you this: it looks way scarier than it actually is.
In this guide, we will break down exactly how to care for that little stump, what the current “best practices” really are (hint: put the rubbing alcohol away), and when you actually need to call the doctor.
Key Takeaways
- Keep it dry: The golden rule of cord care is to keep the area clean and dry to help it heal faster.
- Skip the alcohol: Modern pediatric advice generally recommends “dry cord care” rather than using rubbing alcohol or antiseptics.
- Air it out: Fold diapers down to prevent irritation and let air circulate around the stump.
- Watch for infection: Call your doctor if you see spreading redness, pus, or if your baby develops a fever.
The Umbilical Cord Explained
While your baby was cozy inside the womb, the umbilical cord was their lifeline. It connected them to the placenta, pumping in all the oxygen and nutrient-rich blood they needed to grow (1).
Once your baby is born and taking their first breaths, that connection is severed. A small clamp is placed on the cord, and it’s cut, leaving behind a small stump. This stump doesn’t have nerve endings, so your baby doesn’t feel pain there, but it still needs to dry out and detach naturally.
How to Care for the Umbilical Cord
You will likely get a lot of conflicting advice from grandmothers and aunties about “how we used to do it.” It is important to know that medical guidelines have changed over the years.
In the past, parents were told to swab the stump with rubbing alcohol with every diaper change. However, modern research shows this can actually kill the “good bacteria” that helps the cord separate, potentially keeping the cord attached longer (2).
Today, the gold standard is dry cord care.
Here are the three main rules to follow for a healthy, happy belly button:
- Keep it clean (and simple): You do not need to scrub the cord. Stick to sponge baths using mild soap and warm water for the rest of the body until the cord falls off. If the stump gets pee or poop on it, simply wipe it gently with water and mild soap, then pat it completely dry.
- Let it breathe: Air exposure is the best way to speed up the drying process. Most newborn diapers feature a “cord cutout” for this exact reason. If yours don’t, simply fold the front waistband of the diaper down so it sits below the belly button. Avoid tight clothing that presses on the area.
- Hands off: As the cord dries, it will turn black and might hang by a tiny thread. It is incredibly tempting to pull it off, but don’t. pulling it can cause active bleeding (3). Let nature take its course.
When Will It Fall Off?
If you are asking “how long is this thing going to hang around?” you aren’t alone. It can look a bit unsightly as it shrivels up.
Typically, the umbilical cord falls off between 10 to 14 days after birth. However, there is a wide range of normal; for some babies, it can take up to 21 days (4).
If it’s been more than three or four weeks and the cord is still holding on strong, mention it to your pediatrician.
When it finally drops, you might see a tiny bit of dried blood or a raw red spot. This is normal. A small scab may form, which will heal up in a few days.
Symptoms To Be Concerned About
For the vast majority of babies, the cord dries up and falls off without any drama. However, the stump is technically an open wound until it heals, meaning infection (omphalitis) is possible.
If you notice any of these severe symptoms, call your pediatrician immediately or head to the ER:
- Active bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of gentle pressure.
- Redness or red streaks on the skin spreading away from the belly button.
- The baby has a fever (over 100.4°F rectal).
- The baby seems in pain when you touch the area.
There are other symptoms that might not be an emergency but still warrant a call to the doctor to rule out issues:
- A foul smell coming from the cord (a little odor is normal, a foul stench is not).
- Yellow pus or cloudy discharge oozing from the base.
- A moist pink lump that remains after the cord falls off (granuloma).
Sometimes, the moist, yellow jelly of the umbilical cord contrasts against the drying, darker stump. Look under the stump. If it has thick drainage and a foul odor, it’s concerning.
Editor's Note:
Caitlin Goodwin, MSN, RN, CNMUmbilical Granuloma
Sometimes, after the cord falls off, you might notice the belly button isn’t looking quite like a cute little “innie” or “outie” yet. You might see a small, pinkish-red lump of tissue inside.
This is called an umbilical granuloma (5). It happens when the tissue doesn’t heal over completely. It might look moist or ooze a little yellowish fluid, causing a crust on the skin or undershirt.
Don’t panic, granulomas are common and usually not painful for the baby since that tissue has no nerve endings. However, because it is moist, it can be a gateway for bacteria, so you want to get it treated.
Your pediatrician might suggest:
- Silver Nitrate: The doctor applies a tiny chemical stick to the tissue to cauterize (dry up) the granuloma. It creates a grey scab and usually falls off shortly after. It sounds intense, but it doesn’t hurt the baby.
- Salt treatment: Some doctors recommend treating it at home with a pinch of salt (always consult your doctor before trying home remedies).
FAQs
Why Is Cleaning the Umbilical Cord Important?
Cleaning is actually less about “scrubbing” and more about keeping the area free of urine and feces to prevent infection. Keeping the stump clean and dry allows the natural separation process to happen quickly and safely.
How Often Should You Clean a Newborn’s Umbilical Cord?
You generally do not need to “clean” it unless it is soiled. Check the area at every diaper change. If it is clean and dry, leave it alone. If it has poop or pee on it, gently wipe it with water and mild soap, then dry it thoroughly.
Can I Clean Umbilical Cord With Breast Milk?
While breast milk has amazing immunological properties, it is best to keep the cord dry. Applying milk keeps the stump moist, which can actually delay the drying and separation process. Stick to air drying.
Do I Clean My Baby’s Umbilical Cord After It Falls Off?
Yes, once the stump falls off, you can treat the belly button like the rest of the body. You may see some dried blood or crust in the crevices; gently wipe this away with a washcloth and warm water during bath time.
Should I Put a Bandaid After Umbilical Cord Falls Off?
No, avoid using bandaids. Covering the area traps moisture and prevents air circulation, which slows down healing. Let the belly button breathe so the final scab can heal.
What Is the Best Way to Clean Umbilical Cord?
The best method is “dry cord care.” Keep the area dry, fold the diaper down to avoid friction, and only use water (and mild soap if necessary) if the stump gets dirty. Avoid rubbing alcohol unless your pediatrician specifically advises it.
Does the Umbilical Cord Smell?
A very faint, musty smell can be normal as the tissue dries out (similar to a scab). However, if the smell is strong, foul, or fishy, and is accompanied by redness or discharge, it could be a sign of infection.
In Conclusion
Dealing with the umbilical cord is one of the very first hurdles of parenthood. It tests your patience and your ability to be gentle.But remember, this phase is incredibly short. Before you know it, that little stump will be gone, replaced by a cute little belly button that you’ll be blowing raspberries on. Keep it dry, watch for redness, and trust that your baby’s body knows exactly what to do.
