Every part of your infant’s body is very fragile. A newborn must be well-taken care of from head to toe. Days after the mother gives birth, the umbilical stump will remain on the newborn’s stomach. While the stump hasn’t fallen yet, it is a must that you take proper care and must always be cleaned to avoid infection.

It must be cleaned everyday with alcohol and a cotton ball. Each and every time that you change your baby’s diaper, you should clean the stump and the area around it as well. The alcohol would help in drying the umbilical stump fast. Sponge bathing your baby is advisable until the stump has already dried and fallen off.

Seeing a small part of the stump with a dried blood is perfectly normal. However, seek medical attention once you see that the umbilical stump has a foul smell.