children s health issues
First Few Days After Birth
Umbilical Cord
A newborn usually has a plastic cord clamp on the umbilical cord. The clamp may be removed when the cord is completely dry. No attempt should be made to pull on or remove the umbilical cord stump because it will fall off on its own in a week or two. The umbilical cord stump should be kept clean and dry. There is no need to apply alcohol or other antiseptic solutions to the stump. Rarely, the umbilical cord can become infected, so any signs of redness, swelling or discharge should be checked by a doctor. 