Question
What should I do if there is liquid left after my baby’s umbilical cord falls off?
Answer
Under normal circumstances, a newborn’s umbilical cord usually dries naturally within 24 to 48 hours after birth, falls off after 3 to 4 days, and heals on its own within 10 to 15 days. Sometimes, the cord may take 1 to 2 weeks or even longer to fall off. As long as there are no signs of inflammation or persistent bleeding, it is generally sufficient to clean the area with 75% alcohol one to two times a day before the cord falls off.