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Care of Umbilical Cord Stump
Overview
This guide teaches new parents how to properly care for their baby's umbilical cord stump until it naturally falls off in 7-21 days. It provides step-by-step cleaning instructions using cotton swabs and warm water, daily care tips like keeping the area dry and exposed to air, and important warning signs of infection requiring medical attention such as redness, discharge, or foul smell.
This article was updated in 2026.