Health Tip: Caring for Baby's Umbilical Cord

Baby's umbilical cord stump needs special care until it falls off -- usually within eight weeks of birth.

The American Academy of Pediatrics mentions these tips for new parents:

• Make sure the cord stump stays clean and dry.
• Give baby a sponge bath (not a regular bath) until the cord stump falls off.
• Fold the edge of the diaper below the cord to keep urine away from it.
• Call the doctor if the stump bleeds more than a few drops or shows signs of infection, including discharge, redness or sensitivity to touch.