Do you remember staring at your newborn’s umbilical cord stump and wondering…

“What exactly am I supposed to do with this?”

Should you clean it?
Leave it alone?
Use spirit? Antiseptic? Water?

Let’s clear up the confusion.

Some years ago, the standard advice was to wipe the stump with rubbing alcohol (methylated spirit) after every diaper change. However, it was later discovered that this could delay the healing of the stump.

The current focus is simply keeping the stump clean and dry.

If it becomes dirty, clean it gently with clean water, then pat it dry with clean absorbent paper or a towel. Rubbing alcohol is generally not necessary unless your doctor specifically recommends it.

After every diaper change, fold the front of the diaper below the stump so it is exposed to air and can dry naturally.

Over time, the stump usually changes colour – from yellowish-green to brown and finally black, before it eventually falls off.

Resist the temptation to pull it off, even if it looks like it’s hanging by a thread 😊

During healing, you may occasionally notice a little dried blood or discharge at the base, which is usually normal.

However, if the area becomes red, swollen, warm, foul-smelling, or your baby develops fever, this could indicate an infection. In that case, please see a doctor immediately.

New parents – what were you told to use on your baby’s cord stump? Spirit, antiseptic, or just water?