# How do I look after my newborn's umbilical cord stump? | Clever Mum

> Keep it clean and dry, and let it fall off naturally — usually within 5–15 days. Fold the nappy below it to avoid rubbing, and stick to sponge baths (or keep

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Newborn & Baby

 
#  How do I look after my newborn's umbilical cord stump? 

    
 
Quick answer — How do I look after my newborn's umbilical cord stump? 

 
Keep it clean and dry, and let it fall off naturally — usually within 5–15 days. Fold the nappy below it to avoid rubbing, and stick to sponge baths (or keep the area dry during baths) until it drops. The NHS no longer recommends alcohol or antiseptic on the stump. Watch for redness, swelling, discharge, a bad smell or bleeding, and see your GP or midwife if you notice any of these, or if baby has a fever.

   
## The simple routine that works

The stump needs air and dryness, not treatment — cleaning with alcohol or antiseptic is old advice the NHS has dropped, since plain dry care heals just as well without disrupting the natural bacteria that help it separate. Fold the front of the nappy down below the stump so it doesn't rub or stay damp, and dress baby in clothes that don't press on it.

## Bathing around it

Sponge baths (or keeping the stump area out of the water) are the usual advice until it falls off, though some units are relaxed about brief baths if you pat the area dry carefully afterwards — check what your midwife recommends.

## When to get it checked

A little dried blood as it separates is normal. Get it checked if you see: redness spreading onto the surrounding skin, swelling, yellow or smelly discharge, ongoing bleeding, or if your baby has a raised temperature — these can signal infection and are worth same-day advice from your GP, midwife or 111.

   
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