Umbilical Cord Care: Cleaning, Healing & Signs of Infection | Parenti…
The umbilical stump usually falls off in 1–3 weeks. Step-by-step care, what's normal as it dries, and the signs of infection to act on quickly.
Keep it clean, keep it dry, leave it alone. Here's how to care for the umbilical stump until it falls off — and the early signs of infection to act on.
What to expect
The umbilical stump is a small piece of cord clamped after birth. Over 1–3 weeks it dries from yellow-white to brown-black, shrivels, and falls off on its own. A few drops of blood or clear/yellow fluid as it separates is normal.
Symptoms while it's healing
Expect the stump to look dry, dark and a bit ugly before it drops off. Baby is otherwise well and feeding normally.
Day-to-day care
Current guidance is 'dry cord care' — no alcohol or antiseptics needed.
- Keep the stump out of the nappy by folding the nappy down at the front.
- Dress baby in loose clothing so air can circulate.
- Sponge bath only until the stump falls off (around 1–3 weeks).
- If wee or poo gets on the cord, clean gently with cooled boiled water and a cotton ball, then pat dry.
- Don't pull or twist the stump — let it fall off on its own.
Causes of slow healing
Sometimes a small lump of pink, moist tissue (umbilical granuloma) remains after the stump falls off. It's not painful and is usually treated easily by your GP. Persistent moisture or smell can mean infection (omphalitis) — see below.
When to see a doctor
An infected umbilicus is a serious illness in newborns and can spread quickly. See your GP or attend an emergency department the same day if you spot any signs of infection.
When to seek help
- Redness or swelling spreading onto the skin around the belly button
- Yellow or green pus, foul smell or persistent oozing
- Bleeding more than a few drops or that keeps restarting
- Baby has a fever, is feeding poorly or seems unwell
- Stump still attached after 3 weeks
Common questions
Can I bath my baby before the cord falls off?
Stick to sponge baths until the stump falls off and the belly button looks healed (usually around 2–3 weeks). Then full baths are fine — just dry the navel well afterwards.
There's a bit of blood when the stump came off. Is that normal?
A few drops of blood are normal as the stump separates. Active bleeding, soaked-through nappies, or oozing that doesn't stop in a few minutes needs urgent review.