Cord care is very important. You need to use a Q-tip and alcohol (70%). Apply the alcohol with the Q-tip to the "Base" of the cord. The Bluish stump is already dry, there is no need for alcohol on this area. Apply liberal amounts of alcohol to the base of the cord with every diaper change except at night when we are trying not to wake the baby up. This does not hurt the baby, they sometimes cry because it is cold.

Or you can do nothing, the new thinking is just leave it alone!

• With little boys (who urinate up) it is very important to watch for any drainage or smell around the cord. Notify your baby's doctor if any drainage or smell is noted.
• Be sure to keep the diaper folded down below the cord until it falls off. It will dry up much faster
• A cord should fall off in 10-14 days, some babies take longer. Be sure to check for infection if it doesn't fall off.
• Do not put the baby in a tub for a bath until the cord has fallen off.