Umbilical Stump Care Think of it as a last souvenir of baby’s uterine stay: the umbilical stump. It turns black a few days after birth and can be expected to drop off anywhere between 1 and 4 weeks later. Since healing will happen faster if you keep the area dry and exposed to air, fold diapers down so they don’t brush against the scab, and use wrap-style undershirts for now instead of onesies (or use a onesie designed with a special cutout for the stump). Don’t swab the stump with alcohol (that might irritate tender skin, and it isn’t necessary for healing), but do stick to sponge baths until
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