Normal Umbilical Cord

• Alcohol: Clean the navel with rubbing alcohol 4 times per day. Use a cotton swab to clean away the dried pus or debris. Be vigorous about it. The umbilical area does not have any sensation, so the alcohol won't sting. If the cord is still present, clean underneath it by lifting it and bending it to each side. If the cord has fallen off, pour some alcohol into the depression and remove it after 2 or 3 minutes. (Reason: it takes that long to kill the bacteria.) There is a minor controversy about using alcohol on the cord. Some hospitals recommend natural drying of the cord because using alcohol can delay separation of the cord by 1 or 2 days. However, alcohol prevents some cord infections and that’s what’s really important.
• Diapers: Keep the umbilical area dry to help healing. To provide air exposure, keep the diaper folded down below the cord area.
• Dryness: Avoid tub baths until the area is healed.
• Poop on Cord: Getting some poop on the cord or navel is not serious. If it occurs, clean the area with lots of water, followed by rubbing alcohol. That should prevent any infections.
• Call Your Doctor If:
  • Develops a red streak
  • Fever occurs
  • Your baby begins to look sick or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms