The umbilical cord

Cutting the umbilical cord is a symbolic gesture that marks the beginning of your baby’s autonomy. They can now breathe and feed on their own. When the umbilical cord detaches, it leaves a unique scar: the belly button.

Characteristics of the umbilical cord

The umbilical cord is a yellowish-white, rope-like tube with a gelatinous appearance. It connects the fetus to the mother. The blood that circulates through the umbilical cord performs several essential functions for the well-being of the fetus, such as supplying nutrients and oxygen and carrying away waste products.

At the end of pregnancy, the umbilical cord measures, on average, 2.5 cm in diameter and 55 cm in length. However, it can be as long as 100 cm (1 m). If the cord is too long, it can sometimes wrap around the baby’s neck. Most of the time, this does not harm the baby.

When it’s time to cut the umbilical cord, two clamps are placed on it to stop the flow of blood. Once the cord is cut, a small plastic clamp is placed 2 cm to 3 cm from the baby’s belly. It’s removed two or three days later, when the cord has sufficiently dried out.

When should the umbilical cord be cut?

Experts long believed that the cord should be cut immediately after the baby was born to reduce the risk of the mother losing too much blood following delivery. However, the most recent studies on the subject indicate that this is not the case.

The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends waiting 60 seconds before cutting the umbilical cord of a term baby. Waiting appears to have certain benefits for the baby (e.g., a higher concentration of hemoglobin and better iron stores during their first few months). Waiting more than 60 seconds before cutting the umbilical cord may slightly increase the risk of jaundice in newborns. However, that condition can easily be treated.

How do you clean the umbilical cord at home?

The umbilical cord must be kept clean and dry to prevent infection. The blood vessels it contains can let bacteria into the baby’s body.

You can handle the umbilical cord without worrying about hurting your baby. However, you may see a small amount of slightly blood-tinged discharge during the first few days.

Umbilical cord care at home

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your baby’s umbilical cord.
• Clean the base of the stump daily with a cotton swab soaked in warm water (ideally boiled beforehand) or a saline solution. Run the cotton swab all around the base of the stump to remove any debris.
• Thoroughly dry all surfaces of the stump with the other end of the cotton swab.
• Fold down the edge of your baby’s diaper so it doesn’t rub against the base of the stump. Some brands of disposable diapers for newborns have a little cutout designed for this purpose.
• Keep the cord exposed to air as much as possible. Do not cover it with a compress or bandage.
• Do not apply rubbing alcohol, creams, ointments, or talcum powder to the umbilical cord. Using these products can delay the time it takes the cord to fall off. In the past, parents were told to moisten the umbilical cord daily with a 70 percent rubbing alcohol solution, but this is no longer recommended.
• Once the cord has fallen off, clean the belly button with warm water (ideally boiled beforehand) or a saline solution. Dry the belly button thoroughly until it is completely healed.

When will the umbilical cord fall off?

After the umbilical cord is cut, the remaining stump will dry up and fall off naturally by the age of 1 month. Most of the time, this happens during the second week of life.

When it’s ready to fall off, the cord has a blackish colour However, the base of the stump usually remains paler and more gelatinous.

What should you do if the umbilical cord folds over?

As the umbilical cord dries, it can sometimes fold over, covering the base of the stump completely. This can cause the base to remain moist and increase the risk of infection. It may also mean the umbilical cord takes longer to fall off.

Parents are sometimes afraid to move the cord for fear of hurting their baby or causing the wound to bleed. But the stump can be safely moved by first moistening it with a little warm water (ideally boiled beforehand) or saline solution. Next, clean and dry the cord using the method described above.

What should you do if the umbilical cord is accidentally torn off?

If the cord is accidentally torn off, there may be some bleeding. If this happens, apply a compress until the bleeding stops and go to a CLSC or walk-in clinic. A doctor will examine your baby and the part of the cord still attached to the belly button.

When should you consult a doctor?

If your baby is less than 1 month old and develops a fever, they should see a doctor, even if they show none of the following symptoms.

Consult a doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Persistent redness around the base of the cord.
• Swelling around the base of the cord.
• Discharge at the base of the cord (blood, pus, or oozing).
• An unusual smell coming from the cord.
• The cord is still attached after 1 month of life.
• The cord has been accidentally torn off.
• Persistent bleeding after the cord has fallen off.
• A small pink or reddish bump in the belly button that tends to ooze, which could indicate that the belly button is not healing properly after the cord has fallen off.

Things to keep in mind

• The umbilical cord falls off naturally before 1 month of age, typically by the second week of life.
• It’s important to clean your baby’s umbilical cord every day. Don’t worry, this doesn’t hurt.
• You can give your baby a bath even if the cord hasn’t fallen off yet.

Scientific review: Dr. Anne-Claude Bernard-Bonnin, pediatrician, CHU Sainte-Justine Research and copywriting:The Naître et grandir team Updated: July 2026

Photo: GettyImages/Sasiistock