Umbilical Cord Care for Newborns
Cord care is simpler than it looks: keep it clean and dry, and know the small number of signs that mean it's worth getting checked.
The umbilical stump — what's left after the cord is clamped and cut at birth — looks alarming to a lot of new parents, but caring for it is genuinely simple, and current NHS guidance is less fussy than older advice you might have heard.
Current guidance: keep it clean and dry
No need for alcohol, antiseptic powders, or special cleaning products, which used to be common advice. Clean around the stump with plain water if needed during a top-and-tail wash, and dry gently by patting rather than rubbing. Fold nappies down below the stump (many newborn nappies have a cut-out notch for exactly this) to keep it exposed to air and away from urine.
What's normal to see
- The stump shrivelling and turning from yellowish to brown/black over several days — this is normal healing, not infection
- A few drops of blood-tinged discharge as it separates, particularly right before it falls off
- A mild, not-unpleasant smell as it dries out
When it falls off
Typically between 5 and 15 days after birth, though it can take a little longer. Let it fall off naturally — never pull it, even if it's hanging by a thread.
Signs of infection to watch for
Contact your midwife or GP if you notice:
- Redness or swelling spreading onto the surrounding skin (not just the stump itself)
- Pus, or a strong, unpleasant smell
- Your baby seeming unwell, feverish, or unusually unsettled
- Persistent bleeding rather than a few spots
- A small lump remaining after the stump falls off (this can be a granuloma, which is common and treatable, but worth a midwife checking)
Bathing with the stump present
Modern guidance no longer requires delaying baths until the stump falls off — you can bathe your baby as normal, just pat the area dry afterwards rather than leaving it damp under a nappy or clothing.
Mentioned in this guide
Frequently asked questions
Should I use alcohol wipes on the umbilical stump?+
No — current NHS guidance recommends keeping the area clean and dry with plain water only, not alcohol or antiseptic products.
Can I bathe my baby before the cord falls off?+
Yes, current guidance no longer requires waiting — just pat the area dry gently afterwards rather than leaving it damp.
Is a little bleeding when the stump falls off normal?+
Yes, a few spots of blood-tinged discharge around separation is normal. Persistent or heavier bleeding should be checked by a midwife or GP.
Sources
Written by
Sepehr
Software engineer, soon-to-be dad, uncle to four — the tech-obsessed half of the two of us testing this stuff. Currently building this site with my wife, ahead of our own baby arriving.