Umbilical Cord Stump: Care, When It Falls Off, and When to See a Doctor?

Umbilical Cord Care — Less Is More 🍼

When Does It Fall Off?

5-15 days after birth (sometimes up to 3 weeks). Do NOT pick at it or twist it!

Care (current recommendations)

• Keep it dry — this is the most important thing
• Let it get air — fold the diaper below the umbilicus
• Don't disinfect (old recommendation, outdated today)
• No powder, no cream, no oil
• Bathing is OK (pat dry well afterward)

Normal ✅

• Slightly yellowish or brownish discharge
• Mild odor (not strong)
• A few drops of blood when it falls off
• Small open area after it falls off (heals in 1-2 days)

See a Doctor RIGHT AWAY if 🚨

• Pus (yellow-green, thick)
• Redness that SPREADS (more than 1 cm around the umbilicus)
• Strong, foul-smelling odor
• Fever or baby seems sick
• Bleeding that doesn't stop (more than a few drops)
• Umbilicus doesn't heal within 2 weeks after falling off

Umbilical Granuloma

Small, moist, reddish bump after it falls off → not serious, but have your pediatrician treat it (silver nitrate cauterization, takes 1 minute).

💡 This post is not a substitute for medical advice.