How-to · Soothing Serum ·Jun 06, 2019

Umbilical Cord Care: Speedy Healing With Nature Power

To a new parent’s eye, the umbilical cord stump can look a little alarming—red, puffy, sometimes protruding more than expected. It’s completely normal to feel nervous. But rest assured, with gentle care and the right support, this natural part of newborn life usually heals beautifully on its own.

Umbilical cord care is one of the first rituals of newborn skincare. This small remnant of pregnancy is a powerful symbol of your baby’s connection to you. And just like the care you gave them in the womb, what you do in these first days after birth can help protect their comfort, safety, and development.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to care for your baby’s umbilical cord stump—plus why using gentle, nutrient-rich skincare can support the healing process naturally.

What Is the Umbilical Cord Stump?

When your baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, leaving behind a small piece of tissue at the navel. This stump usually dries out, shrivels, and falls off within 1–3 weeks after birth.

Until then, your baby’s cord stump is essentially a healing wound. Like all wounds, it needs to be kept clean, dry, and protected to reduce the risk of infection or irritation.

Why Cord Care Matters So Much

While the umbilical stump may seem small, infection in this area can pose serious risks—especially for premature babies or newborns with extra-sensitive skin and immune systems.

Preemies in particular face greater vulnerability. Their skin is thinner, their defenses are still forming, and they’re adjusting to a world they weren’t quite ready to meet. For them, minimizing unnecessary stressors (like inflammation or bacteria around the cord site) is critical.

How to Care for Your Baby’s Umbilical Cord

Here’s what pediatricians and NICU nurses generally recommend for everyday cord care:

1. Clean Gently With Bubbly Wash

While it’s important to avoid soaking your baby in the tub until the stump falls off, you can still keep the area clean with a gentle wipe using a soft cloth and a tiny bit of warm water and BEB Organic Bubbly Wash. This ultra-mild cleanser is pH-balanced and clinically tested for sensitive newborn skin, including preemies. Just dampen a soft cloth, lather a few drops, and gently wipe the belly area—without rubbing. Pat dry immediately after.

2. Keep It Dry

Moisture slows the drying process and may create an environment where bacteria can grow. Avoid full baths until the stump falls off naturally. Instead, sponge bathe around the area, and always dry thoroughly.

3. Let It Breathe

Air exposure helps the stump dry out and separate from the body. Fold the top of the diaper below the cord so it doesn’t rub or trap moisture. Most newborn diapers are designed with a small notch for this reason.

4. Don’t Pick or Pull

Even if the cord looks like it’s “hanging by a thread,” avoid the temptation to help it along. Picking or pulling can disrupt the natural healing process and lead to infection or scarring.

5. Use Soothing Serum—Not Oils or Creams

Most experts advise avoiding traditional oils and creams near the cord stump, and for good reason: many products can trap moisture, irritate healing tissue, or interfere with natural detachment. But a serum is different. BEB Organic Soothing Serum is a weightless botanical formula designed to support healing without coating or clogging. It absorbs quickly, delivering active nutrients like arnica, elderberry, and myrrh to calm irritation, reduce redness, and help the skin heal cleanly and comfortably.

6. Avoid Alcohol Wipes

Once the standard of care, rubbing alcohol is now discouraged because it may delay the drying and detachment process. Today’s best practice is to leave the stump as undisturbed as possible while using supportive, non-stripping care if needed.

Spotting Signs of Infection

It’s rare, but infection around the umbilical stump (called omphalitis) can happen. Call your pediatrician if you notice any of the following:

Persistent redness or swelling around the base
A foul-smelling yellowish discharge
Warmth, pain, or tenderness at the site
Fever, fussiness, or low energy in your baby

Prompt care helps prevent small issues from becoming bigger ones. In most cases, though, careful hygiene and supportive skincare will keep healing on track.

Supporting Healing With Nature’s Wisdom

Your baby’s skin is more than a protective barrier—it’s a living, active organ that plays a key role in immune function and overall development. The skin also absorbs much of what’s applied to it, which is why we believe every ingredient should serve a purpose.

That’s why we created our Soothing Serum, a lightweight botanical formula designed to calm inflammation, support healing, and maintain healthy skin flora—perfect for delicate areas like the umbilical cord stump.

Key Ingredients in BEB Organic Soothing Serum:

Arnica (Swiss Alps): Traditionally used to reduce swelling and soothe minor trauma.
Cypress (California): Promotes circulation and may support skin regeneration.
Elderberry (Ireland): Packed with antioxidants and anthocyanins to protect and repair.
Myrrh (Somalia): Revered for its antibacterial and wound-healing properties.
Hyaluronic acid: Deeply hydrating and essential for skin recovery.
Probiotics: Help balance skin’s microbiome and defend against unwanted bacteria.

This formula is thoughtfully created to help your baby’s skin heal comfortably, with nutrients that do more than moisturize—they actively support the skin’s own wisdom and repair systems.

How to Use Soothing Serum for Umbilical Cord Care

Here’s how to incorporate Soothing Serum into your routine:

Clean Hands First: Always start with clean, dry hands when touching your baby’s cord area.
Apply Sparingly: Using your fingertips or a sterile cotton swab, gently dab a drop of serum around—but not directly on—the base of the stump.
Let It Dry: Give the area a moment to absorb the serum before dressing or diapering your baby.
Repeat Daily: Once or twice a day is typically enough. Continue until the stump falls off and the skin underneath looks healthy and healed.

Because our serum is non-greasy and fast-absorbing, it won’t interfere with diaper placement or clothing.

A Note for Preemie Parents

In the NICU, umbilical cord care often involves additional precautions. If your baby was born early or is currently in hospital care, always follow your medical team’s guidance. Many NICUs across North America use BEB Organic products—including our Soothing Serum—because of their safety profile, clean formulation, and skin-repairing benefits.

We’re proud to support hospital teams and families alike through every stage of this delicate process.

Trust the Power of Touch

Umbilical cord care isn’t just a medical necessity—it’s an opportunity to connect. Every time you gently lift your baby’s onesie or softly pat their belly dry, you’re building trust. You’re speaking to their nervous system in the language of love.

That’s why our mission goes beyond skincare. At BEB Organic, we’re here to support the science of touch, nurture healthy beginnings, and offer peace of mind with every product we make.

A Gentle Routine for Your Newborn

While you care for your baby’s umbilical stump, you can also begin a simple, safe skincare routine that supports their overall skin health:

Cleanse gently with Bubbly Wash
Moisturize regularly with Silky Cream
Seal in hydration with Nurturing Oil
Protect delicate areas with Diaper Balm
Support healing with Soothing Serum

Each formula is developed with input from neonatologists, NICU nurses, and pediatric dermatologists—and each one is safe from day one.

Because Every Belly Button Begins Here

When that tiny stump falls away and your baby’s belly button is revealed, it will feel like a milestone. A mark of their growth, resilience, and your care.

You only get one chance to support their skin through this early transition. Let’s make it count—with nature-powered healing, gentle routines, and confidence in every touch.