Question
When will a newborn’s umbilical cord fall off?
Answer
A newborn’s umbilical cord usually darkens and hardens gradually within 1 to 2 weeks after birth, eventually falling off. If the umbilical cord has not fallen off within 2 weeks of the baby’s birth, it is important to keep the area dry and use alcohol or iodine to wipe it to accelerate the shedding and healing of the wound. In general, as long as there are no redness, swelling, or purulent signs of infection, there is no need to be overly concerned.