24 What precautions must be taken while caring for the umbilical stump? Don't be afraid to clean your baby's umbilical stump. The quicker the base dries, the sooner the stump will fall off. Make sure that you wash your hands before handling the cord. If it becomes soiled with urine or feces, clean the area while changing the diaper. To clean the stump, use a cotton swab or cotton round and wipe around the base of the cord with clean water. Is it recommended to keep the stump covered? No, it is better to leave the stump exposed unless your doctor has recommended that it must be kept covered with a sterile cotton swab. The stump area should always be kept dry and clean. If the diaper is high, fold it down. The cord area usually heals in about seven to ten days. Can we bathe the baby before the stump falls off? It is better not to place the baby in a tub or in a sink to bathe before the umbilical stump has fallen off. It is better to give a sponge bath at this time. However, in
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTU3ODk=