Taking care of the stump

Your baby's umbilical cord stump dries out and eventually falls off — usually within one to three weeks after birth. In the meantime, treat the area gently:

• Keep the stump dry. Parents were once instructed to swab the stump with rubbing alcohol after every diaper change. Researchers now say this might kill bacteria that can help the cord dry and separate. Instead, expose the stump to air to help dry out the base. Keep the front of your baby's diaper folded down to avoid covering the stump.
• Stick with sponge baths. While there's no harm in getting the stump wet, sponge baths might make it easier to keep the stump dry.
• Let the stump fall off on its own. Resist the temptation to pull off the stump yourself.