After your baby is born, your midwife or doctor will cut and clamp your baby's umbilical cord, leaving a 2-3cm stump.
Tip: turn baby's vest inside-out to ensure the seams don't irritate his/her skin.
Caring for your baby's umbilical stump
- Wash with plain water or pH neutral cleanser added to bathwater
- Pat dry with a soft towel or cloth
- Use surgical spirits and cotton buds to clean the base of the stump.
- Make sure the stump is dry before putting on a nappy
- Always wash your hands before handling your baby's stump, before and after nappy changes and washes
- Allow the stump to come away naturally, don't pull on it
- Keep the stump clean by folding down the waist of your baby's nappy, leaving the stump exposed to the air or covered by loose, clean clothes