A Guide to Umbilical Cord Hygiene

Welcoming a newborn into the world comes with plenty of questions, you’re not alone. One common thing parents worry about is their baby’s umbilical cord: When will it fall off? How do I care for it? What’s normal and what isn’t?

This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about umbilical cord care, from cleaning and the healing process to recognising the signs of infection and knowing when to seek medical advice.

{Post updated January 2026]

What is the Umbilical Cord?

The umbilical cord is the lifeline between a baby and their mother during pregnancy, a tube-like structure that connects your baby to the placenta. It allows the transfer of oxygen, nutrients and waste between mother and baby.

When your baby is born, the cord is clamped and cut, leaving behind a small stump of tissue on your baby’s tummy. This becomes your baby’s umbilical stump, which gradually dries out and falls off, leaving your baby’s belly button (also known as the navel).

The blood within the umbilical cord is also a precious source of life-transforming stem cells. Here at Smart Cells, we’re very interested in the umbilical cord as we collect the cord blood, which would otherwise be disposed of along with medical waste after birth, in a quick, painless process called stem cell collection. We then extract and store the stem cells so they may be available for your family in the future.

How Long Should the Umbilical Cord Stay On After Birth?

Your baby’s umbilical cord stump usually remains attached for around 1 to 3 weeks after birth. During these early days of life, the stump gradually dries out, shrivels and eventually falls off naturally.

Most stumps fall off within 10–14 days, although for some babies it may take a little longer and for others, it may be quicker. It’s important to allow the stump of the umbilical cord to detach on its own. Pulling it off early can interrupt the healing process and may lead to drops of blood, irritation or infection.

It’s also normal to notice:

• A small amount of fluid or a light-yellowish fluid
• A drop of blood or little bleeding when the stump is close to falling off
• A small, raw-looking spot once the stump has detached

These are usually part of the normal healing process. If you’re unsure, your baby’s midwife, GP or baby’s healthcare provider can always take a look.

How Can I Clean the Umbilical Cord Stump?

Good care of the umbilical cord focuses on keeping the area clean and dry. Many healthcare professionals, including guidance supported by organisations such as the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics, now recommend dry cord care for healthy babies.

That means:

• Clean gently with water if needed. If the stump becomes dirty (for example, after a diaper change), use a clean, damp cloth, cotton ball or wet cotton swab to gently wipe around the base of the cord. You don’t need to scrub — the skin here is tender.
• Avoid routine use of antiseptics. The routine use of rubbing alcohol, chlorhexidine or other antiseptics is no longer usually recommended for healthy newborns in the UK, unless advised by your healthcare team. Research including systematic reviews and clinical trials has shown that dry cord care is safe and effective in most settings.
• Let it air dry. Exposing your baby’s umbilical cord area to air helps the stump dry out more quickly.
• Stick to sponge baths at first. Until the stump falls off and the belly button area has healed, it’s best to give your baby a sponge bath, or a gentle wipe down with cotton wool and fresh warm water, rather than using baby bathtubs or submerging the area in water.

This basic care is usually all that’s needed.

Should the Umbilical Cord Sit Underneath the Nappy?

Ideally, the baby’s umbilical cord stump should sit above the top of the diaper or nappy, not underneath it.

If the stump sits inside the nappy, it’s more likely to come into contact with moisture and diaper contents, which can slow healing and increase the risk of irritation or umbilical cord infections.

But babies are small and nappies look like they’ll reach their shoulders! Here a few tips to get it positioned right:

• Fold down the front of your baby’s diaper so it sits below the stump
• Some newborn nappies are designed with a curved cut-out for the belly button area

Keeping the area clean, dry and exposed to air supports the natural healing process.

Can I Use a Different Type of Cord Clamp?

The standard plastic cord clamp used in hospitals is safe and effective. Some families choose alternatives such as cord ties made from soft materials for cultural or aesthetic reasons.

If you are considering this, discuss it with your midwife, baby’s doctor or healthcare professionals to make sure it’s appropriate for your baby.

How Do I Know If the Umbilical Cord Is Infected?

Most babies’ umbilical cord stumps heal without any problems, but it’s important to be aware of the signs of infection. An umbilical infection (also called omphalitis) is rare but can be serious and needs medical treatment.

Contact your baby’s healthcare provider if you notice:

• Redness, swelling or warmth spreading around the base of the umbilical cord
• A foul odor
• Cloudy discharge or pus
• Persistent bleeding (more than a small amount)
• A red lump or piece of extra tissue that doesn’t improve (possible umbilical granuloma)
• Fever or your baby seeming unwell

An umbilical granuloma is a common minor problem where a small red lump of tissue remains after the stump falls off. It’s usually easily treated by medical professionals, sometimes using silver nitrate.

In very rare cases, untreated infections can lead to systemic infections, so trust your instincts. If something doesn’t look right, there’s never any harm in seeking medical advice.

Other Common Umbilical Cord Concerns

Some parents also notice:

• A small bulge near the baby’s navel when crying (possible umbilical hernia)This is usually harmless and often resolves on its own, but your baby’s paediatrician can confirm.
• A small amount of fluid or ongoing moisture from the belly button areaThis can be checked by your healthcare team if it continues.

What Is Delayed Cord Clamping?

Delayed cord clamping means waiting a short time after birth before clamping and cutting the umbilical cord. This allows extra blood to flow from the placenta to the baby, which can help support iron levels and overall health.

The good news is that you can usually still choose delayed cord clamping and collect sufficient cord blood for stem cell storage.

Umbilical cord care can feel daunting at first, but with gentle hygiene and basic care, most babies’ cord stumps heal quickly and naturally. Small amounts of discharge or a little blood can be normal, but you should always seek medical advice if you’re concerned.

This information is designed to support, not replace, guidance from your midwife, baby’s doctor or healthcare team. Your baby’s health and comfort always come first.