Umbilical Care

Umbilical Stump Care

• The umbilical cord is cut shortly after delivery, and a small amount of the cord remains attached to the baby. This is called the umbilical stump.
  • The stump gradually dries out and begins to look like a scab attached to the belly button.
  • The stump falls off on it's own, usually between 7-14 days of life.
  • Your baby can't feel the stump because there are no nerve endings in this area.
• Do not wash, clean, or treat the umbilical stump in any way.
• The cord will likely bleed for a day or two before and after it falls off.
  • You will likely find blood on the diaper or the clothing overlying the stump.
  • This can be ignored.
• The cord may develop an odor before it falls off.
  • This can also be ignored.