👶 Care & hygiene · 0 – 3 weeks
🩺 Caring for the Umbilical Cord
After birth, the umbilical cord stump dries out, turns dark, and drops off all on its own within 7 to 15 days. Your daily mission is dead simple: keep it clean and dry to steer clear of infections.
What you'll need
- Sterile gauze pads.
- Saline solution (only use a mild antiseptic if specifically advised by your doctor or hospital).
What to do
1. Wash your hands
Give your hands a proper wash with soap and water before getting started.
2. Clean gently
Dab a sterile gauze pad with saline solution and gently wipe around the base of the cord stump.
3. Dry thoroughly
Use a fresh, dry sterile gauze pad to carefully pat the entire area dry.
4. Fold the diaper
When strapping on the diaper, fold the front waistband down so it doesn't rub against or cover the stump.
Classic mistakes
- ❌ Yanking the cord Never try to speed things up or pull it off, even if it looks like it's hanging by a thread.
- ❌ Trapping it inside the diaper Moisture from pee stops it from drying out and creates a playground for bacteria. Let it breathe.
This guide doesn't replace medical advice. When in doubt, call your doctor or your local emergency number.