By the time the baby goes home from the hospital, the cord is beginning to dry and wither. The clamp can be removed when the cord is completely dry. The cord falls off by itself in about two to three weeks. Because the umbilical cord may be a place for infection to enter the baby s body, it is important to care for it properly. Alcohol is often used at each diaper change.
Some physicians recommend using plain water, or just allowing it to air dry.
Keep the cord on the outside of the baby s diaper. There may be a small amount of blood after the cord falls off, but this should stop quickly. Never try to pull the cord off. Parents are often concerned about a baby s navel being an innie or an outie. There is no way to predict this or make the navel look one way or another.