• Fold the waistband of your baby's diaper down slightly so the cord is exposed to air as much as possible, and the diaper doesn't rub against and irritate it.
• Clean the area with a clean cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, gently wiping around the crevice at the base of the cord. Do this three times a day (or as often as your pediatrician recommends).
• Skip tub baths until the stump has fallen off. Submerging the affected area in water may irritate it or promote infection.
  

Within a few days after you bring baby home you'll notice that the cord will become dry and shriveled. Don't worry, this is natural -- it means it's healing and within a week or two it should fall off. Occasionally, though, the umbilical cord can become infected. If you notice any of the following red flags, call your baby's physician immediately.

• Pus-like discharge around the base of the cord.
• An offensive odor (a slight odor is normal, but a strong odor is not).
• Redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness around the cord. If your baby cries when you apply rubbing alcohol, this is normal since the alcohol is cold. However, he shouldn't cry when you touch it gently with your bare hand.