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Umbilical Cord Care

The umbilical cord stump is the small piece of umbilical cord left attached to a newborn’s abdomen after birth. It gradually dries, darkens and falls off as the tissue separates.

Normal drying causes most changes in the stump. Moisture, bacteria and irritation can contribute to delayed separation or infection.

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AAP Guide to Umbilical Cord Care

The AAP guide below explains normal cord healing and which signs can mean infection.

AAP Symptom CheckerUmbilical cord

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Redness is spreading outward from the cord.
  • Pus, a foul odor or significant drainage develops.
  • Bleeding is more than a small amount or keeps returning.
  • Your baby has fever, feeds poorly or seems ill.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • A young newborn has fever with rapidly spreading redness or appears severely ill.
  • Your baby is very difficult to wake or has another life-threatening symptom.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

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