The umbilical cord connects the baby to the placenta in the womb. After birth it is clamped and cut, leaving a short stump that dries, darkens and usually falls off on its own within 1 to 3 weeks.
Key takeaways
- Keeping the stump clean and dry is usually all that is needed.
- A little oozing or a few spots of blood when it falls off can be normal.
- Never pull the stump off.
What you can do
- Fold the nappy below the stump so it stays dry.
- If it gets dirty, clean it with plain water and pat dry.
- Sponge bathe until the stump has fallen off if your doctor advises.
When to talk to your doctor
See your doctor if the skin around the stump is red, swollen or warm, if there is pus or a bad smell, if it bleeds more than a few drops, or if your baby has a fever.
