The umbilical cord connects the placenta and your growing baby at the navel area; the cord is closed with clamps and is cut shortly after birth. To help the cord dry up so it can fall off (in one to two weeks) and prevent infection, cord care must be done. Gently move a Q-tip dipped in alcohol around the bottom of the cord where it attaches to the navel, be sure not to get the alcohol on the skin around the navel. You should do this cord care each time you change a diaper and after sponge bath time. Making sure to fold down the diaper so as to keep it from touching the cord. If you notice any of the following please contact your pediatrician: pus coming from the cord area, a foul smell coming from the cord area, the area around the navel is more red than usual or if the skin on the tummy around the navel is extra warm to the touch.

Written by Kathy Sinclair, CLE, CPD