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.
Both anger and happiness were felt as many, including LI Venezuelans, reacted to the U.S.-led ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. NewsdayTV’s Andrew Ehinger has more.  Credit: Morgan Campbell; Ed Quinn; AP; Facebook/ The White House; US Department of Defense/ US Southern Command; Photo Credit: Juan Barreto /AFP/ Getty Images/ TNS; White House Press Office/ EPA/Shutterstock; Tom Brenner/ Getty Images; Alex Brandon/ AP;

Mixed reactions after U.S. attacks Venezuela Both anger and happiness were felt as many, including LI Venezuelans, reacted to the U.S.-led ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger has more.

Both anger and happiness were felt as many, including LI Venezuelans, reacted to the U.S.-led ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. NewsdayTV’s Andrew Ehinger has more.  Credit: Morgan Campbell; Ed Quinn; AP; Facebook/ The White House; US Department of Defense/ US Southern Command; Photo Credit: Juan Barreto /AFP/ Getty Images/ TNS; White House Press Office/ EPA/Shutterstock; Tom Brenner/ Getty Images; Alex Brandon/ AP;

Mixed reactions after U.S. attacks Venezuela Both anger and happiness were felt as many, including LI Venezuelans, reacted to the U.S.-led ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger has more.

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