How to care for a newborn's umbilical cord?

Patient's question:

No

Doctor's answer:

The care of a newborn's umbilicus primarily involves maintaining local dryness and cleanliness. Avoid covering the umbilicus with wet clothes or diapers, and do not use dirty hands or dirty cloths to wipe the umbilicus. If there is discharge, you can use a sterile cotton swab dipped in 75% alcohol to clean the umbilical fold for disinfection. When cleaning, lift the umbilical stump from the fold and wipe it in a spiral motion outward, avoiding back-and-forth scrubbing to prevent introducing bacteria from the surrounding skin into the fold.
After the umbilical cord falls off, a scab forms in the umbilical fold. As it naturally falls off, some dampness or milky-like fluid may seep out. You can use a sterile cotton swab dipped in 75% alcohol to clean it, or first apply 2% tincture of iodine, then follow with 75% alcohol on the umbilical fold and surrounding skin. Avoid using gentian violet or umbilical powder, as this may hinder observation of any potential infection.
If you notice granulation tissue, purulent discharge, redness, swelling, or an odor in the umbilical fold, it indicates an infection. Seek medical attention promptly to prevent sepsis.