Cord stump care

Ensuring optimal cord care immediately after birth and throughout the first week of life is a critical step for preventing infections related to newborn deaths. Save the Children recommends the following tips:

• Do not put anything on the cord stump, leave it dry.
• Keep the cord stump exposed above and outside the diaper under clean top clothes.
• If the cord becomes soiled from the diaper, wash your hands before washing the cord with clean water and soap. Use a clean cloth. Dry the cord with a clean cloth and place it carefully outside the clean diaper to avoid more contact with stool and urine.
• The cord normally falls off about 5-7 days after birth. This leaves the umbilicus to heal.
• Don’t bath the baby before 72 hours following birth. Give the baby a sponge bath until cord stump and umbilicus are healed.
• Look at the cord and/or umbilicus for signs of infection every day until it is dry and healed. Signs of infection are: redness of the skin around the umbilicus, pus discharge from the umbilicus, foul smell and delay in separation.

Get medical help right away if you see any of these signs.