When you think about birth and the umbilical cord, you probably imagine a doctor clamping and cutting it shortly after your baby is born. And that’s absolutely right. But what’s often less talked about is what comes next, this process leaves behind a small stump attached to your baby’s belly button.
If this is your first pregnancy, you might be unsure about what exactly happens with that stump and how to care for it. That’s completely normal.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the umbilical cord stump: what it is, why it’s there, when it typically falls off, and how to look after it in those early days.
The umbilical cord and why it leaves a stump
During pregnancy, the umbilical cord is what gives your baby everything they need, such as oxygen and nutrients, to grow and stay healthy.
Once your baby is born, they start breathing and feeding on their own, so the cord is no longer needed. That is why it is clamped and cut a short distance from your baby’s tummy, leaving a small section still attached. This small bit is what we call the stump.
The reason it stays there is because it is not possible to cut the cord completely flush with the skin right away. The clamp ensures there is no bleeding, and the remaining stump is left to dry out and fall off naturally. It might look a bit strange at first, but it is completely normal.
Over the days following birth, the stump gradually dries up, shrinks, and eventually drops off on its own, leaving behind your baby’s belly button.
When does the stump fall off?
A baby's umbilical cord stump needs to dry up before it falls off. Most often, the stump falls off 1 to 3 weeks after birth. In the meantime, it is important to treat the area gently.
How to care for the umbilical cord stump
Caring for your baby’s umbilical cord stump mostly comes down to keeping it clean and allowing it to dry on its own. It might be tempting to give it a little tug when it starts looking loose, but it’s best to leave it be and let it fall off in its own time. Here are a few gentle tips to support the healing process:
-
Keep it dry: Letting air reach the stump helps it dry out faster. Try folding the top of your baby’s diaper down so it doesn’t rub against the stump. Some parents also carefully cut a small notch in the front of the diaper to give the area more space.
-
Avoid alcohol: Unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise, there’s no need to use any alcohol based products on the stump. In fact, it’s better to leave it alone as much as possible.
-
Clean any fluid gently: It’s normal for a little clear or slightly bloody fluid to show up around the stump. If you see this, gently wipe the area with a damp cotton swab. You might need to softly press the skin around it or move the stump slightly to reach underneath. Once it’s clean, pat it dry and let the area breathe.
-
If it gets dirty, clean it: Sometimes stool can get on the stump during diaper changes. If that happens, gently clean the area with a soft muslin cloth and mild soap and water. Make sure to dry it well afterward.
-
Stick to sponge baths: Sponge baths can help you keep your baby clean while also keeping the stump from getting too wet. Just use a warm, damp cloth to gently wipe your baby’s skin. It’s okay if the stump gets a little wet as it won’t hurt, but drying it afterward helps the healing process.
-
Let it fall off naturally: The stump will dry up and fall off on its own, usually within the first one to three weeks. It’s important not to pull or tug at it, even if it looks like it’s almost ready to come off.
What do I do once the stump has fallen off?
This moment marks one of your baby’s earliest milestones. With the stump gone, you can now see their little belly button for the first time. Caring for the area from here on is simple.
You can:
- Use a soft, damp washcloth to wipe away any remaining secretions, then pat the area dry
- Continue with sponge baths for a couple more days before moving on to regular baths
A small amount of bleeding is normal in the first day or two. You might also notice a bit of pink tissue or some clear yellow discharge. These are typical parts of the healing process. If anything seems unusual or concerning, it is always best to reach out to your healthcare provider.
Can the umbilical cord stump fall off early?
Yes, although it is not very common, the umbilical cord stump can fall off earlier than expected. This may happen before the typical one to three-week timeframe, especially if the area becomes very dry or is accidentally disturbed during diaper changes or dressing.
Even if the stump looks like it is barely attached, it is important not to pull or remove it. Allowing it to fall off naturally helps reduce the risk of infection and supports proper healing.
If the stump does fall off earlier than expected, it is a good idea to check in with your pediatrician. They can take a look to make sure the area is healing well. In some cases, the doctor may apply silver nitrate to help dry out any remaining tissue and support the healing process.
Signs of infection to watch out for
In most cases, the umbilical cord stump heals without any problems. Still, it’s good to know what to look out for in case something doesn’t seem quite right. While a bit of dried blood or light discharge is normal, certain signs can point to an infection and should be checked by your healthcare provider.
Keep an eye out for:
- Redness or swelling around the base of the stump that seems to be spreading
- A foul smell coming from the stump
- Pus or yellowish-green discharge that looks different from the usual healing fluid
- A fever in your newborn (always contact your doctor if your baby has a temperature above 38°C or 100.4°F)
- The area around the stump feels warm or your baby seems unusually fussy when it’s touched
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to reach out to your pediatrician. Early care can help prevent complications and ease your mind.
Final thoughts and reassurance
Caring for the umbilical cord stump can feel a little scary, especially if this is your first baby. But the truth is, this part of newborn care is often much simpler than it seems. With gentle care and a bit of patience, the stump will dry, fall off, and reveal your baby’s tiny belly button, one of many first milestones.
It’s completely normal to have questions or concerns along the way. If something doesn’t look or feel right, trust your instincts and reach out to your healthcare provider. You’re not expected to know everything right away, and there’s always support available when you need it.
As your baby grows, there are many exciting stages to look forward to. You can find more about what to expect in the coming months in our guide to baby’s first year.
