How do I care for my newborn's umbilical cord stump?
Keep the stump clean and dry, let it fall away on its own, and ask your local care team what to do if it looks infected.
The short answer
Follow the instructions from your maternity or newborn care team. NHS hospital guidance generally recommends keeping the stump clean and dry, avoiding creams or powders, and allowing it to fall away by itself.
Keep the area clean and dry
Your baby's cord stump will dry and separate on its own. Guidance from University Hospitals Sussex says to keep it clean and dry and to leave creams and powders off the area. Ask your own midwife or health visitor what local guidance applies to your baby.
If urine or stool gets on the stump, NHS bathing guidance says to clean the area with fresh cotton wool and warm water, then gently pat it dry. Avoid pulling at the stump, even if it looks as though it is nearly ready to come away.
Notice changes and ask for help
Contact your midwife, health visitor or doctor if you notice redness, swelling, tenderness, an unpleasant smell or discharge, or if your baby seems unwell. The right service and timing can depend on where you live and on your baby's age and health.
This article can’t tell from a description or a photo whether a cord is infected. If you’re worried, contact a health professional rather than waiting for a tracker entry or a routine appointment.
Keep care records simple
Most families don’t need an app to manage routine cord care. If a doctor asks you to watch for a change, note what you saw and when, then share that information with the care team.
If your care team asks you to record wet or dirty nappies, see how to keep a simple nappy record.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 12 October 2026. This page doesn’t replace advice from your own doctor.