Published on May. 18, 2018
For about 40 weeks of pregnancy, you planned and anticipated this moment. Now that the picture in your mind is a living, breathing newborn, you’re suddenly responsible for everything—often after a hospital stay that feels far too short.
For many new parents, bringing baby home is a shock, no matter how many books you read. There’s so much to manage, and newborn belly button care is an important part of that to‑do list. Knowing how to properly clean your baby’s belly button matters—and let’s be honest, you’re probably too sleep deprived to remember every instruction from the hospital.
Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend a dry approach to belly button care until the umbilical cord stump falls off, typically within the first one to two weeks of life.
What Does “Dry Care” Mean for a Newborn Belly Button?
What exactly does “dry care” involve?
"Simply keeping the umbilical cord clean and dry," Catherine Gritchen, MD, a pediatrician at Miller Children's and Women's Hospital in Long Beach, California.
Before 1998, when WHO updated its recommendations, antibacterial or antiseptic solutions were commonly applied to the umbilical cord stump. That guidance has since changed.
Why Antibacterial Treatments Are No Longer Recommended
Using antiseptics may actually slow healing.
"Using any type of antibacterial application (such as alcohol or triple dye) actually tends to delay the cord separation because it kills off the beneficial bacteria that help with separation. Also, it can select for opportunistic 'bad' bacteria, actually increasing the chance of infection."
In areas where clean water and hygiene are not guaranteed, this “wet” approach is still used. However, it is no longer considered necessary—or best practice—in the United States.
Understanding the Umbilical Cord Stump
Although it’s commonly called a belly button, newborns don’t actually have one yet.
While the cord stump is still attached, "the umbilical cord stump is a healing tissue from the placenta," explains Trung Tristan Truong, MD a pediatrician at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California.
Because it is healing tissue, infection—known as omphalitis—can be serious. Babies who develop omphalitis require intravenous antibiotics and hospital treatment.
Daily Umbilical Cord Care Until the Stump Falls Off
As part of your baby’s daily routine, certain steps help prevent irritation and infection.
"You should keep the umbilical cord dry and fold the diaper down below the cord so that it doesn’t get wet from urine," Gina Posner, MD, a pediatrician at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.
Key Care Tips Before the Cord Falls Off
- Keep the umbilical cord clean and dry
- Fold the diaper below the cord
- Avoid immersive baths (sponge baths are fine)
"If the cord stump comes into contact with urine or fecal matter, just clean it with water," adds Truong.
What to Expect After the Umbilical Cord Falls Off
Once the cord stump detaches, some mild changes are normal.
"After the cord falls off, the stump may be moist and have bit of bleeding around the edges," says Gritchen.
At this point, basic hygiene is sufficient. You can "simply wash with soap and water and pat dry," she adds. After the area is completely healed and dry, you can begin a normal bath routine for your baby.
Long‑Term Belly Button Hygiene as Baby Grows
Luckily, all three doctors agree that belly button care is the same at any age.
Treat it like any other folded or creased area of skin:
- Be gentle
- Don’t rub too hard
- Use a Q‑tip if needed to remove water or debris
Every belly button scar is unique. Some are deeper or more folded than others, beyond the classic innie‑versus‑outie distinction.
As your newborn grows into an older baby and toddler, belly buttons (theirs, yours and the whole family’s) often become a source of amusement—and you’ll barely remember the days of worrying about that tiny plastic clamp.