The remaining piece of the umbilical cord that is attached to your newborn, also known as the umbilical stump, will naturally dry out, darken, and eventually fall off on its own, typically within 1 to 3 weeks after birth. Here's how to care for it until it falls off:

Keep It Clean and Dry

• Cleanliness: It's important to keep the umbilical cord stump clean. If it gets dirty, you can clean it with a damp cloth and then dry it thoroughly. However, it's usually best to just let it be.
• Drying: Allow the stump to air out as much as possible to speed up the drying process.

Sponge Baths

• Bathing: Until the umbilical cord stump falls off, it's recommended to give your baby sponge baths instead of submerging them in water. This helps prevent the stump from staying wet, which can delay the drying process.

Diapering

• Diaper Placement: Fold the baby’s diaper away from the stump or use newborn diapers with a cut-out notch to prevent covering the stump. This reduces the risk of infection and allows air to circulate freely, helping the stump to dry out.

Avoid Irritation

• Clothing: Dress your baby in loose, comfortable clothes to avoid rubbing against the stump. Avoid tight waistbands that might rub the area.

Look for Signs of Infection
While it’s normal for the stump to look a bit grim and have a slight smell as it dries and heals, watch out for signs of infection. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Redness or swelling around the base
• Oozing pus or blood from the stump
• A foul odor
• Fever in your baby
• Your baby appears in pain or discomfort when you touch the stump or the skin around it

Do Not Pull It Off

• Natural Process: Allow the stump to fall off naturally. Pulling it off prematurely can cause bleeding and might lead to infection.

Once the umbilical cord stump falls off, you might notice a small wound or a bit of blood on the diaper or baby's clothes. This is normal and should heal quickly. If you have any concerns about your baby’s umbilical cord stump or the healing process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for advice.