Always wash your hands before cleaning the cord, and clean the umbilical stump with a warm, moist cloth. Do not use alcohol or creams unless recommended by your doctor.
Keep the cord clean and dry until it falls off. Clean any urine or stool around the cord using a moist cotton swab and gently dry it.
Give the baby a sponge bath until the cord falls off. Do not pull the stump; let it fall naturally.
Monitor for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, foul odor, or yellow discharge, and consult the doctor immediately if any of these appear.