Definition

• Cord is still attached after 3 weeks
• The navel is also called the belly button or umbilicus
• The piece of cord that stays on the baby is called the umbilical stump

Health Information

Normal Cord

• Normal cords don’t need any special treatment.
• Just keep them dry (called natural drying).
• Reason: Cords need to dry up, before they will fall off.
• As they dry up, cords normally change color. They go from a shiny yellowish hue, to brown or gray.
• The cord will normally fall off between 1 and 3 weeks.

Normal Navel (Belly Button)

• After the cord has fallen off, the navel will gradually heal.
• It’s normal for the center to look red at the point of separation.
• It’s not normal if the redness spreads on to the belly.
• It’s normal for the navel to ooze some secretions.
• Sometimes, the navel forms a scab. It heals up and falls off on its own.

Care Advice

1. Overview:
   • Most cords fall off between 10 and 14 days. Normal range is 7 to 21 days.
   • All cords slowly fall off on their own.
   • Keep being patient.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Stop Alcohol:
   • If you have been using rubbing alcohol to the cord, stop doing so.
   • Rubbing alcohol can kill the good bacteria that help the cord fall off.
3. Diaper:
   • Help the cord dry up faster by keeping the diaper folded below it.
   • Option: Cut out a wedge of the disposable diaper. Then seal the edge with tape.
   • Air contact helps the cord stay dry.

Call Your Doctor If

• Cord starts to look infected
• Fever occurs
• Cord is still on for more than 6 weeks
• Your baby starts to look sick or act abnormal
• You think your child needs to be seen

Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP

Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC

Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. The information contained in this handout should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. Listing of any resources does not imply an endorsement.

 #AAP