• The umbilical cord is also known as the umbilical stump, belly button, umbilicus and navel.  
• During pregnancy the umbilical cord transfers nutrients and oxygen from mother to baby.  
• Immediately after birth, the cord is clamped and cut leaving behind a short stump that will dry up and fall off.  

Dry Cord Care & Bathing

• Keep the umbilical stump dry. Air contact helps the cord stay dry.
  • As the stump dries, it will change colors, going from yellow, to brown, to gray or black.
• As the umbilical stump dries it may form a scab – let it heal and fall off on its own.
• Do not use rubbing alcohol – this can wipe away the good skin bacteria that help with healing.
• Sponge baths are ok while the umbilical stump is in place. Please avoid baths where the stump will be under water.
  • If stool gets on the umbilical stump, you can gently wipe it with a clean warm washcloth. Be sure to dry it off right after wiping.
• Avoid covering the cord with the diaper. Keep the diaper folded below the cord.

• It is normal to have a small amount of clear, yellow or blood-tinged discharge.  
  • Gently dab the bottom of the cord and the surrounding skin with a clean, dry washcloth.  
• Bleeding can occur if the umbilical stump rubs against a surface like clothing or diapers and when it is close to falling off.  
  • You may notice pinpoint bleeding on your baby’s clothing.  
  • A stain bigger than the size of a quarter is a sign of too much bleeding.  
  • If you see active bleeding, use a clean dry cloth to apply direct pressure to the umbilical stump. If bleeding continues after 10 minutes of constant pressure, call your child’s primary care provider.   

• The umbilical stump usually falls off 1-3 weeks after birth.  
• It might look a little red or yellow where it is starting to separate.  
• In some cases, a granuloma can form.  
  • These are small red “berry-like” growths that remain “wet” and can ooze a clear mucus.  
  • Treatment with silver nitrate is an option to discuss with your child’s primary care provider.  

• Infection of the umbilical stump is very rare, but can be very dangerous.  
• This is called Omphalitis  
• Signs of an infection include: red skin around the umbilical stump, swelling around the umbilical stump, or cloudy, bad-smelling drainage.  
• This is a medical emergency – please take your newborn the Emergency Department 

• A hernia is a bulge at the area of the belly button.  
• You may notice the hernia “pops out” when your baby cries, coughs, strains or passes a bowel movement. Some hernias always stay out – this is not cause for concern.  
• In general, no treatment is needed for an umbilical hernia.  
  • They usually go away on their own by the age of 3.  
  • Avoid putting anything on your baby’s belly button – such as tape, coins, or “belly bands“. These practices can lead to skin irritation and increase the risk of infection – and they don’t help the hernia get better.
• However, if the hernia is a red or purple color and cannot gently be pushed back into the abdomen, this may be a medical emergency and your newborn will need to be evaluated in the Emergency Department.